Bump, Birth, Beyond: Care, Comfort & Doula-Approved Items

Evidence shows that TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a non-invasive option used during labor that can help manage pain and increase comfort, with many people reporting they would choose to use it again even though results can vary. I used it in my own early labor, and I also use it with my clients in those early stages; it can help you stay grounded, cope with contractions, and keep moving while labor is building. It’s a simple tool you can start using at home before heading into your birth space.

Evidence shows that continuous labor support including hands-on comfort measures, verbal encouragement, and guided touch can reduce pain, lower intervention rates, and improve satisfaction with the birth experience. I use this deck with all of my clients’ partners. It gives non-birthing parents a clear, practical way to participate and support their person in labor in a doula-like way without needing all the technical knowledge. It helps them feel included, confident, and connected while offering meaningful comfort every step of the way and ensures that even first-time supporters can contribute effectively.

Evidence shows that hands-on comfort techniques like counterpressure, which involves applying steady, supportive pressure, can reduce pain and improve comfort during labor. I have used this exact grip myself throughout labor and also offer to my own clients to use. It gives the birthing person a simple, practical way to squeeze and apply pressure through their own hands, helping manage intense contractions and stay grounded.

Evidence shows that mind-body techniques like positive affirmations, deep breathing, and guided focus can reduce stress and anxiety in pregnancy and labor, helping the birthing person stay calm, grounded, and confident. I personally used these affirmation cards myself during labor, saying each affirmation with every contraction, which helped me stay centered and maintain focus through the later stages.

Paired with the birthing comb, which evidence shows works on the same principle as hands-on pressure techniques like counterpressure or acupressure to reduce labor pain, this combo gives both mental and physical tools to support the birthing person. Using the comb allows you to apply steady, focused pressure through your hands, helping manage the intensity of contractions while staying in control. I also offer this to my clients because it helps them navigate labor with confidence, providing a tangible, evidence-based way to support themselves throughout the process.

Evidence shows that using a peanut ball during labor can help improve pelvic positioning and may shorten the first stage of labor, especially for people with an epidural. Another study found that birthing people who used a peanut ball reported lower fatigue and pain scores and a more positive perception of childbirth compared with those who did not.

I personally used a peanut ball throughout my labor and also guide my clients on how to use it during the later stages. Placing it between the legs while on your side or during resting positions can help you stay comfortable, feel more in control, and support your body’s natural progression. 

Evidence shows that Manuka honey contains naturally occurring methylglyoxal (MGO), giving it stronger antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties than regular honey. I recommend and offer these to clients during labor because they provide a gentle, natural source of quick energy when the body is working hard and muscles are fatigued. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can also support the body in subtle ways during the intensity of labor, helping soothe tissues that may feel irritated from contractions or dryness in the mouth and throat. Many clients enjoy them straight from the stick or in a warm drink during long labor hours, and I’ve seen how having a small, portable, nourishing option can help birthing people feel a little more cared for, energized, and supported as they move through each stage of labor.

Evidence shows that gentle heat can help reduce pain by relaxing muscles, increasing blood flow, and easing cramping; mechanisms that are especially helpful for uterine or abdominal cramps. I found this heating pad incredibly comforting during the miscarriages I’ve experienced. The warmth helped calm my belly and back muscles, easing the intense cramps and tension, and it still provides soothing relief whenever I have discomfort. I highly recommend it to clients because it offers a safe, gentle, and effective way to care for your body during these challenging moments.

Evidence shows that processing loss and expressing emotions after pregnancy loss can be a meaningful part of healing, as many people experience intense grief, intrusive thoughts, and overwhelming emotions that are both common and deeply real. This journal became a place where I could put words to my pain, track my emotions over time, and give myself space to grieve without judgment. It validated that I was not alone in what I was going through and helped me acknowledge feelings I didn’t even realize I was carrying.

Evidence shows that self‑affirmations; reflecting on your values, strengths, and core sense of self, are associated with improved emotional wellbeing, more positive affect, and more adaptive stress coping when facing difficult or threatening life experiences. I used these affirmation cards at times when the grief felt overwhelming, and the gentle, thoughtful prompts helped me pause, breathe, and remind myself who I am beyond the pain. They offered moments of comfort and clarity, helping me speak kindness to my heart when everything felt heavy.

Evidence shows that first trimester miscarriage can bring intense grief, fear, and uncertainty, and having compassionate support makes a real difference. This kit is designed for losses before 13 weeks and provides everything you need to collect your baby at home ( a container, gloves, pads, and a peri bottle; along with comforting items like a letter to mom, grief journal, and guidance on burial. ) It held me through a moment that felt overwhelming, giving me a way to honor my baby, care for myself, and feel less alone during this deeply emotional experience.

Evidence shows that memory‑making and keepsakes play a meaningful role in bereavement care by helping bereaved parents acknowledge their baby’s existence, preserve their identity as a parent, and foster a sense of connection and comfort after loss. This memorial box gives you a place to gently hold ultrasound photos, positive tests, letters, keepsakes, or any small mementos that are precious to you. For many of us, having tangible items to tend to and honor helps bridge the internal bond with your baby and provides a space to integrate your loss into your life with ongoing love and remembrance.

Evidence shows that iron deficiency often follows significant blood loss, such as from a miscarriage, and supplementing with iron can help restore depleted stores, support energy, and improve recovery. I recommend this organic liquid iron because it’s gentle on the stomach, easy to absorb, and helped me regain strength and feel more like myself after my losses. Taking it gave my body the support it needed while healing from the physical toll of miscarriage, and I continue to rely on it whenever my iron feels low.