1. birth ball – OK, so this one doesn’t actually fit in my bag, but I’ve got a handy carrying strap so I don’t have to chase it through a hospital parking lot at 4am.
  2. peppermint essential oil – This is wonderful on a cool washcloth during pushing.  Very refreshing scent that can re-energize the whole room.
  3. massage lotion  or oil – great for hand and foot massage.  I use unscented that way I can use them as carriers for essential oils.
  4. tennis balls – help to give tired fists relief of back counterpressure is needed for a long time, plus they roll so much nicer than fists . . .
  5. honey sticks - these can be a great energy boost for moms
  6. bendy straws – I use these a lot because they help you give fluids to the mom when she’s in virtually any position without her having to to do any extra effort.
  7. rebozo - this is a long piece of fabric that has myriad uses in labor.  Check out the links for ideas
  8. cell-phone charger – helps to keep the doula connected with her outside support during the “longer than one charge” births
  9. stress ball – Mine are bumpy football shaped ones that I got from a dollar store.  The bumps are great for stimulating pressure points in the palms.  They do really feel good when you give them a gentle squeeze.
  10. small notepad and pen – I take notes during the birth to help my memory when writing up the couple’s birth story.  Especially great for those awesome comments that inevitably surface during such intense experiences:
  11. new chapstick – I keep a new one on hand for each mom.  Taking care of a minor irritation like dry lips can make the rest of labor that much more bearable. I am all about avoiding unnecessary discomfort in labor!
  12. instant coffee packets – At births I suddenly become way less of a coffee snob than I usually am, and I welcome anything caffeinated -  even whatever’s brewing down the hall at the hospital.
  13. rice sock (s) – 3lbs of rice in a tube sock in the microwave for 3 minutes.  Great for her back, her feet, her belly, so many uses.  Once again, a new one for each birth.  Incidentally, my kids love to sleep with these in the winter.
  14. change of clothes – I have been doused with amniotic fluid, soaked by a birth tub, and even marred with meconium.  A change of clothes is imperative.
  15. toothbrush and toothpaste – Like caffeine, another great way to wake myself up a bit during the all-nighters.
  16. breath mints -  to make sure that mom isn’t managing my bad breath on top of her labor.
  17. singles – for vending machines an hospital cafeterias
  18. energy bars – for when there isn’t a moment to make it down to the cafeteria
  19. Emergen-C – for me, for the mom or for the dad.  Great for hydration and an energy boost.
  20. Labor Progress Handbook – never hurts to keep a bunch of ideas in your bag of tricks.  It’s like having the comfort of Penny Simkin in the room with you.