Doula Deja
Recommendations Shop
Below you'll find products I recommend to my clients as they navigate pregnancy discomforts, foods and drinks that are great to have on hand for labor, and the tools that are in my own doula birth bag. I also have recommendations for feeding and beyond infancy that come to me from my clients' experiences.
If you're looking for a baby shower gift that the recipient will actually love and use, check out the section called Babyhood and Beyond.
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You don't have to buy a bunch of stuff - look around your house, you probably have a lot of this already - use these recommendations as inspiration and ideas for what to look for.
If you choose to purchase the items using my Amazon links, I earn a small commission - but all of these are honest, genuine recommendations of products to help you on your journey.
I don't mind if you want to find them off-Amazon.
Nausea
Ginger Candy
Ginger is a time-honored remedy for nausea and The Ginger People is a trusted brand.
Carry these in your purse, keep some in your car, and stash a few in your desk at work.
Pelvis Pain
Hip Belt
Pelvic pain or instability is common in late pregnancy. You can stabilize the joints of the pelvis with an SI belt. Worn across the pubis and around the bum, it can help support your whole pelvic girdle.
Nausea
Ginger Candy
Ginger is a time-honored remedy for nausea and The Ginger People is a trusted brand.
Carry these in your purse, keep some in your car, and stash a few in your desk at work.
Pelvis Pain
Hip Belt
Pelvic pain or instability is common in late pregnancy. You can stabilize the joints of the pelvis with an SI belt. Worn across the pubis and around the bum, it can help support your whole pelvic girdle.
Nausea
Ginger Candy
Ginger is a time-honored remedy for nausea and The Ginger People is a trusted brand.
Carry these in your purse, keep some in your car, and stash a few in your desk at work.
Pelvis Pain
Hip Belt
Pelvic pain or instability is common in late pregnancy. You can stabilize the joints of the pelvis with an SI belt. Worn across the pubis and around the bum, it can help support your whole pelvic girdle.
Labor Nurishment
Labor is a marathon and you have to fuel your body. Below are some ideas for hydration and snacks - but you should be eating meals as long as you have an appetite. In the hospital, that might mean having something delivered, rather than relying on the provided food.
And if you're planning to have an epidural, or even just might, I recommend bringing "clears" of your own - the hospital provided clears are often sugar-free or overly salty. I've provided some ideas below.
I've included a mix of sweet and savory, lean toward what you love. What's not below are fresh foods like dairy, eggs, or cut fruit, but those are amazing options. Pack enough for both the laboring person and the support team, these will be long and unpredictable hours.
Hydration
Water Bottle
I know we all have a zillion water bottles, but here are my criteria for labor - not too big (they get heavy), must have a straw (drink from any angle), soft mouth piece (no one needs to bonk their teeth).
If yours doesn't meet that, consider this one.
Hydration
Electrolyte Add Ins
There are a zillion of these and some taste better than others. Find one you like - even good old Gatorade - and get the full-sugar version. Your body needs that fuel.
Savory
Pickles
Pickles are crunchy and salty and more interesting than a chip. Bonus, they have electrolytes. And these ones are true-fermented, so they have gut benefits! Extra good if you'll need antibiotics during or after labor.
Savory
Nuts
All nuts are great in labor, but these are conveniently packaged and interestingly flavored.
Sweet
Peanut Butter
Put it on a sandwich (with or without jelly, honey, or banana), put it on crackers, on apple slices, on celery, or just on a spoon (or a finger). Fats and protein for sustained energy, and plenty of sugar.
Justins brand has some awesome flavor options in single-serve packs.
Savory & Clears
Bone Broth
Warm broth in a mug (don't use a spoon for this, folks) can center the whole room.
Bone broth has electrolytes for labor and minerals to help with recovery after birth.
Bonus - it is a Clear and tastes way better than instant bullion!
Tool
Travel Kettle
Do you need a kettle with you in the hospital? No. Will it make 3am so much better, definitely.
Consider it.
Or bring your electric kettle from home.
Hot & Savory
Instant Meals
You could do Cup'o'Noodles or the like, but these have lentils and veggies and taste of something more than salt.
Hot & Savory & Clears
Sipping Broth
These are some of my clients' favorite things in my birth bag. Especially the Thai Lemongrass flavor.
They work like a tea bag, but they are savory and complex in flavor. And vegetarian!
Hydration
Bottle Long Straw
Or you can take any commercial water bottle and many reusable ones and stick this long hose into it and make it excellent for labor hydration.
Hydration
Coconut Water
A perfect hydration beverage straight off the tree. The flavor isn't for everyone, but if you're looking for a natural alternative to sports drinks, this is it.
Savory
Olives
Another salty and flavorful snack. Electrolytes, appetite motivating flavors, and conveniently small serving sizes for fickle laboring tummies.
Sweet
Aussie Bites
If you've never had one, you're in for a treat - they are made up of whole grains for sustained energy in two-bite size.
Find them locally at Costco, or order online.
Sweet
Toddler Squeezables
Ok, hear me out - these are incredible in labor. Easy to eat, even quickly between close contractions. The flavors are aimed at toddlers, so they aren't too intense. And they have sugar and fiber to keep things fueled.
Consider a trip down the kiddo aisle next time you're at Target.
Sweet & Clears
Gummy Bears
Yep, you read that right, gummy bears are a clear! Just like Jello, all gummy candies become liquid in the body, making them clear-friendly. One of the only things you can chew when you're on a clears restriction.
Plus - Fun!
Hot & Caffeine
Good Coffee
Hospital coffee is... poor. Delivered coffee is invariably cold. Instant coffee is often lacking.
Enter - Copper Cow. Single-cup pour over coffee. Just add hot water. They even come with sweetened condensed milk to complete the picture.
Hot & Sweet
Oatmeal
If you're bringing instant oatmeal, bring one that comes in a bowl or bring a bowl or risk disappointment.
These are nice because they pack flat and won't get crushed in your bag.
Hot & Sweet & Clears
Tea
Any tea - caffeine is completely fine. Milk and sugar, also fine. I like this one because it is mild and sweet without sugar and does well without milk.
But bring your favorites!
Hospital Bag
If you're moving to a hospital or other location for birth, it is important to personalize your environment when you get there.
Think about all of your senses: what will you see, what will you hear, what will you smell, and what will you feel?
(Check out Nourishment for Taste.)
Then consider how you will take care of yourself within that environment. I like to think of it like going to an AirBnB where you won't know what creature comforts they'll have. Bring along a few key items to keep yourself going.
And don't forget - you'll pack Tools, Nourishment, and Postpartum, too! Not to mention toiletries and clothes.
See
Flameless Candles
Dot the room with these - every available surface. Then turn out all the harsh overhead lights.
See
Breathing Light
Plug this into a battery pack and put it on the tray-table creating a focal point for the room and adding some extra lights.
It has the added feature of Breathing, so you can breathe with it.
See, Hear, & Feel
Eye Mask/Ear Plugs
Block out distractions so you can focus inward.
Choose a soft fabric for your face. Avoid velcro for your hair's sake.
This one comes with simple earplugs - but I'm partial to Loops.
See & Smell
Oil Diffuser
I like a diffuser with a cool-mist function - they seem to work the fastest (and you can see when it is out of oil).
This one is also a soft light. Bonus!
Feel
Wrap Robe
Hospital gowns are rough and utilitarian - and needlessly complicated to wear.
This strapless wrap allows your arms to be free for IV lines and epidurals, its open along the front for monitor cables. And most importantly, it comes off quickly to receive baby to your bare chest.
Feel
Pillowcase
Bring your favorite pillow so you have that comfort, but protect it from the hospital and labor fluids with a waterproof cover.
Amenity
Power Strip
Power outlets are notoriously hard to come by in a hospital room. Bring a non-trip extension cord to ensure you can power and charge all your devices.
See
String Lights
Set the tone with color while keeping the lights dim.
I'm partial to a blue-green, very low light, and "breathing."
See
Water Light
Another way to add soft light, some color, and this moves like you're under water.
Hear
Speaker
Music has immense power to take us out of our body.
Use upbeat music to bring positivity to your labor. Use funny music to bring levity. Use poignant music for inspiration. Use soft music for focus.
Smell
Essential Oil
Hospitals smell like hospitals, but you can set a tone with your own scent. Choose one that you like and run it diluted so you don't get sick of it.
I like this Lavender Tea Tree blend for the soothing and lifting aspects.
Feel
Slippers
Tread socks are also an options, but I prefer to leave the floor on the floor. So wear some cozy socks and step into some slippers or sandals when you're on your feet.
Feel & Smell
Mist Bottle
Fine "continuous" mist makes for a more pleasant experience than a squirt bottle.
Bonus - add a little essential oil for a little boost.
Amenity
Power Bricks
Break up with wall-power for your USB devices - this allows you to power your diffuser or focus light or speaker from the middle of the room. Or charge your phone from bed.
Labor Tools
These are my favorite tools for facilitating labor progress and supporting coping with labor. They can be used during labor at home and come with you if you're moving to a hospital.
Birth Ball
A key tool to keep your body moving while being able to rest between contractions.
Bonus - This kit comes with a pump and a key to remove the plug.
TENs Unit
Four sticky pads placed in a large rectangle on the back provide safe and effective reduction in intensity of labor contraction pain by disrupting and distracting the nerves.
Stroller Fan
It can be stood up, wrapped around nearby equipment, or held by hand to provide a refreshing breeze during labor.
Or set it up behind your aromatherapy to increase output.
Bonus - It is designed to use with a stroller to keep baby cool.
Hot Packs
These get good and hot quickly, stay hot for a long time, and are reusable.
Simply boil them to reset the crystalline contents.
Peanut Ball
Use this to support upright and restful positions.
Can help support changing position after an epidural - not just between your legs! Use it to rest your upper body while on your hands and knees!
Mini Theragun
Relieve tension in the hips, thighs, back, and even shoulders to keep you moving smoothly through labor.
Bonus - your partner may find it helpful after sleeping on the hospital guest bed.
Cooling Towel
Paper towels and face cloths can do the job - but this towel keeps its cool longer and refreshes quicker, saving your support person from running back and forth to the faucet frequently.
Wooden Comb
Gripping a comb creates a counter-sensation to labor contractions and can help you cope with early/active labor.
A wooden comb is strong enough to stand up to your fiercest grip.
Nausea
Ginger Candy
Ginger is a time-honored remedy for nausea and The Ginger People is a trusted brand.
Carry these in your purse, keep some in your car, and stash a few in your desk at work.
Pelvis Pain
Hip Belt
Pelvic pain or instability is common in late pregnancy. You can stabilize the joints of the pelvis with an SI belt. Worn across the pubis and around the bum, it can help support your whole pelvic girdle.
Nausea
Ginger Candy
Ginger is a time-honored remedy for nausea and The Ginger People is a trusted brand.
Carry these in your purse, keep some in your car, and stash a few in your desk at work.
Pelvis Pain
Hip Belt
Pelvic pain or instability is common in late pregnancy. You can stabilize the joints of the pelvis with an SI belt. Worn across the pubis and around the bum, it can help support your whole pelvic girdle.
Nausea
Ginger Candy
Ginger is a time-honored remedy for nausea and The Ginger People is a trusted brand.
Carry these in your purse, keep some in your car, and stash a few in your desk at work.
Pelvis Pain
Hip Belt
Pelvic pain or instability is common in late pregnancy. You can stabilize the joints of the pelvis with an SI belt. Worn across the pubis and around the bum, it can help support your whole pelvic girdle.