Doula's Tool Box

One of the easiest ways to make a rice sock is from a men's tube socks, fill  with three cups of uncooked rice (leaving a few inches at the top of the sock depending on the size of the sock your using) and tie the top (ribbed part). Another good suggestion was to use orthodontic rubber bands (really small ones) to close the top.  Add potpourri or essential oils as desired to the rice before filling the sock. Each mom should receive her own rice sock. It makes a great, inexpensive gift she can keep on using! Generally they are microwaved for about 3 minutes, depending on size. Try experimenting with them at home first to see how long to microwave the rice sock and how long it lasts. You can also keep one in the freezer to make a useful cold pack!


Crystal - NJDoula Suggests: Finger Tip Towels

Personally I don't like the socks - they stretch out of shape and since they are white the discolor fast.  I use fingertip towels.  They make up square like a little pillow.  You just have to stay away from the ones with gold since they burn in the microwave.  The only problem is you have to be able to sew with these - which is a drawback.  Anyway, you turn the towel inside out so that the rights sides are together.  Stitch 3/4 of the way around, leaving an opening to turn it inside out and then fill with 3-3 1/2 cups of uncooked rice - I buy the cheapest I can find.  After filling then sew the little area together and viola - a rice pack.  I make one for each client!!  She gets to take it home after the birth.  Put it in the micro for 3 minutes and it is ready to go.  The other thing I found is the first time you heat it it holds the heat for about 30 minutes, but if you continue to heat it it holds the heat longer each time.  My clients LOVE these!!!  And they fit real nice in the small of the back!!!

Robyn's Notes: Great Idea! I use this method, but with flannel material I buy at the craft store. I can usually find clearance materials that are soft and pretty to use to sew a rice sock. I make them in different sizes depending on the mom I am making them for.

Sonya Smith volunteered this suggestion!  " I use receiving blankets to make mine.  I had a ton of the inexpensive blankets that I didn't use after the birth of my daughter. I fold them in half twice and sew up the sides."

A useful, homemade tool is a pool noodle used for counter pressure. Buy one 12 foot long Pool noodle at your local discount or pool store. These foam pool toys can be cut into 1 foot sections that are great for back massage (and to wake up dad with a bop over the head :O) Moms love these! This inexpensive project is a nice touch for each mom to keep.

We are always looking for new and inexpensive "tools" to carry in our bags, if you have a suggestion for a homemade "tool", please fill out our suggestion form!

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Last Update on July 7, 1999