Student Midwives- What supplies are you buying?

[phathui5]

I was just wondering what supplies you all are buying or have bought and in what order?

When I was at the Midwifery Conference, I got a stethoscope and a fetoscope. I also have gloves (non-sterile) in my bag.

I'm just starting out as an apprentice/student.

What should I get next? When did you buy things?

[completebeginnings]

Doppler asap. I know they are expensive. I got a Nicolette off of cragslist for $70 bucks early on. Manual BP cuff. Doula type stuff(which you already should have). I put off instruments and oxygen until the end because they are so expensive. A scale and sling and measuring tape are nice so you can run and do post partum visits.

[~Kristina~]

I have a stethoscope, fetoscope, gloves, bp cuff, mini Mag flash light and will be purchasing a sling and scale soon.  I'm looking for a deal on a Nicolet doppler.

[phathui5]

Ok, I'm getting the sling scale and blood pressure cuff next.

[636Jen]

I would recommend finding a latex free cuff.  Some people have a latex allergy.  Also, get one that comes with different sizes.  Anne Frye was at the last Eugene conf. I attended (3 years ago?) and was showing us the importance of cuff size, placement, etc.  Get an adult medium, large and x-large.  You're serving women of all sizes and shapes.  Getting a doppler is good but I would start out listening for tones with your fetoscope for good practice.  Also, along with all of your equipment, start an information library.  Print articles on sources of iron, protien, etc, general nutrition, GBS, find sources for doulas, massage therapists, chiropractors, etc. 

Just my .02

[BirthIsAwesome]

When I started out apprenticing I had: stethoscope, fetoscope, BP cuff, sling/scale, cm. measuring tape, non-sterile gloves, homeopathic arnica, homeopathic labor mixture (caulophyllum, pulsatilla, cimicifuga), and HemHalt tincture. Everything got frequent use except for HemHalt (I think I used it once). The midwife I was apprenticing with usually only used the doppler at the 12 week visit, just to confirm a live baby and to reassure the parents. Otherwise we used the fetoscope starting at 19-20 weeks, so I never felt that I needed a doppler. She did use it sometimes during labors, but again, if I was at a labor before her I just used my fetoscope until she got there. I think the art of ascultating by fetoscope is fast disappearing and I personally took every opportunity I could to practice with it. Good luck on your journey!

[phathui5]

Thank you, BirthIsAwesome!