Be Practical…Remember to Pack…
I have been a doula for many years, and every time I attend a birth, I bring my “doula bag”. This bag has been the same on for the last 2 decades, but over the years, the contents have changed a bit. The following four items are always with me, and you may want to add them to your hospital bag
A small pouch for electronic cords etc: Labor and delivery rooms have outlets that the patients can use. Typically, there is at least one near the partner’s chair/bed, another close to the mom’s bed, and another where the TV is located. I recommend bringing a multiple plug outlet (some house USB ports as well, super convenient), so you can charge multiple electronics at once, from the same outlet. Another important item is an extra long phone cord that extends 6 feet or more. A fun colored pouch will conveniently help you locate these in your bag.
A simple foam rubber gardening knee pad: There are times in labor when either mom or her partner are kneeling and the floor is pretty hard. An example could be that mom is standing at the bedside and the baby monitor moves around and someone needs to hold it in place, that job may fall to the partner and having a soft cushy knee pad sure is welcome!
A USB chargeable hand held fan: Moms can get overheated when they are in labor, and a small battery operated fan is really handy. For years, I used an old fashioned Flamenco dancer-type fan, and boy did my wrists take a beating! I got smart, perused the internet and found that there is a great selection of small fans out there. This particular model clips onto the bed frame, has 3 wind speeds, is quiet, and can be charged multiple ways (both battery and USB).
A Heating pad/hot water bottle: There is nothing like the feeling of warmth on achy muscles, and during labor, a heating pad or a hot water bottle work great on the lower back, thighs, and shoulders. Most hospitals do provide heat packs (the type you crack), but they don’t hold heat very long , when they cool down they harden and that can be uncomfortable. With a hot water bottle, nurses are happy to bring a cup of hot water, and voila! problem solved. Make sure you wrap the bottle so that it’s not too hot. Heating pads are great too, but check first with your hospital as some do not allow them.
Thanks for reading! Let me know if this is helpful…