What is a birth basket?*
A birth basket takes the place of the traditional “packed labor bag.” The idea behind the birth basket is that it is open and the items that you would like to serve as labor tools are visually available and easily accessible. Your birth team will not have to worry about fumbling through your personal belongings and are more likely to grab a massage tool and start pampering you!
Here are some ideas on what to fill it with.
• A light snack for energy
• An electrolyte drink like Recharge or Gatorade
• Lip Balm, mints, mouthwash
• Heat pad or hot water bottle
• Music cd’s or ipod with your favorite upbeat, or motivational songs as well as relaxing, tranquil music
• Aromatherapy - pure essential oils of your favorite scents. Peppermint oil is refreshing and helps curb nausea (often experienced in transition)
• Massage oil or lotion (massaging non hairy parts of the body such as the hands and feet release
endorphins - the bodies own medicine cabinet)
• Massage tools
• Hand held or battery operated fan
• LED Tea light or votive candles
• An inspirational photo or statement for your focal point
• Camera
• Small journal to log events, and for guests to sign
• Birth Plan
*Birth basket idea adopted by my good friend, childbirth educator and doula partner Patti Ramos.
What’s in your birth basket?
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