The Doula Business Guide: Creating a Successful Motherbaby Business

by Patty Brennan

Make a living doing work you love! The Doula Business Guide is a comprehensive, go-to manual for individuals and groups wanting to establish and grow a thriving doula service. This nuts and bolts manual covers the pros and cons of self-employment, small business set up and development, a variety of business models, nonprofit set-up and management, community-based and hospital-based doula program models, staying out of trouble with the IRS, contemporary marketing basics, grant writing for maternal-infant health initiatives, risk management for doulas and doula programs, setting boundaries with clients, personal safety strategies and self defense for outreach workers, and more. 400 pages of inspiration and useful information for launching a doula career or program.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business

414 pages, Paperback

First published September 20, 2010

Reviews

[Kelly Kolb · Rating 3 out of 5]

General overview of the various ways to run a doula business and some general ideas of how to do so (how to minimize risk, what structure to set up, etc). Focused very heavily on volunteer doula programs, which I suppose makes sense given her experience, but much of that advice doesn't really fit my business. Still came away with a handful of good ideas and take-aways, so it was worth the read.

[Ali]

Well written and a thorough overlook on the business end of doula work.

[Jai · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Doula business guide was one of the choices on my required reading list for my certification through DONA. I really felt that this would be beneficial to me and to other doulas that are getting into the business. I was excited to start reading it thinking that it would be really interested and would add to my business knowledge. Unfortunately for me it didn't. I don't think it was because it was the book was written incorrectly but because I learn about most of the techniques prior to reading it.
I only had a few issues and they were they barely talked about postpartum doulas and their work(which is common),the author talked about volunteer doulas and her business and not just businesses in general. There wasn't that much on marketing techniques at all either. I was very disappointed by this. Overall, it was an introduction to the business on being a doula.

[Labruja_dietra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of the info in here wasn't applicable to me since I have no desire to start a non profit or doula collective but the info that was applicable was very valuable and got me thinking on another level.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great practical book for getting up and started in the doula business.

[Josie Wert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a gold mine for aspiring doulas, although I wouldn't call it a business guide. It focused heavily on starting a non-profit, so I felt a little betrayed by the title. It was still worth my time and very well-written and easy to read.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skimmed the book quite a bit since I've read a few how-to-start-a-business type books (I have dreams!) and setting up a business and marketing doesn't change too much. Chapters regarding doula programs weren't applicable at this time. My favorite chapters were contracts, risk management, and "going the distance" (how to juggle the demands of being a doula) since those topics give me the most anxiety!

Definitely a good book for someone wanting the run-down of starting a doula business and all the things to consider.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of THE BEST books for doulas that I have read; and not just about the business aspect! I am so thankful for all of the author's hard work and her willingness to share her experience with the world. Thank you Patty Brennan! I will be recommending this book to all aspiring and active doulas, and even to women with other homegrown businesses!

[Jessyca Wyant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. The only thing keeping it from a 5 is that, in my opinion, too much of the book was devoted to non-profit organizations. Of course I may feel this way just because I have no interest in starting a non-profit. All in all, there was enough useful information for me to recommend it.

[Alexa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not love this book. I found it uninteresting and unapproachable. Most of it seemed to be directed at nonprofit doula programs, which are wonderful, but not the end goal of all doulas and doulas-to-be. That said, there were a handful of sections that I did feel were valuable and educational.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful information, but not very interesting. Much of it seemed aimed at people who don't know how to use computers. Different audience, I guess.

[Kirsten Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of good information and things to consider for the new doula. I wish the large section about starting a non-profit has been omitted, but I just skipped over all that.