Birth Doula Basics by Kelli Way and Postpartum Doula Basics by Kelli Way and Demaris Bruce.

The Birth Source, PO Box 29874, Los Angeles, CA 90029; 323-667-2366; $25.00 each plus $5.00 each postage and handling

As a practicing labor support and postpartum doula, I am constantly searching for ideas to make my business end of what I do for a living easier. The business end of doula work is not always the most enjoyable for me. I dread paperwork and record keeping and I find that this is almost universal with every doula I speak with. Well, Kelli and Demaris have taken that dread away with their easy to follow and comprehensive guides for labor support and postpartum doulas.

Each book is contained in notebook style and all of the forms and handouts are able to be duplicated with ease. Kelli states in Birth Doula Basics that this book is not intended to replace doula training, but that her goal is to provide doulas with practical information, forms, and handouts that can help enhance their practice. And boy, does she come through! My thought has always been why reinvent the wheel, and with these books as a guide there is no need.

In Birth Doula Basics, some of the topics discussed are: Getting Started, Dressing for a Birth (complete with pictures!), Using Back-up, The Language of Power, Marketing, Finding Clients, Keeping Records, Insurance Reimbursement, and lots of handouts. I also found the forms very easy to follow and, even if you don't use the exact form in the book, it gives you an idea of what might be appropriate for your own business.

I found Postpartum Doula Basics by Kelli Way and Demaris Bruce to be very beneficial since there is so little information to guide the postpartum doula, and few organizations who are currently certifying for this work. Again, the information is clear, concise, and easy to follow. Both books include a section with suggestions on how to most effectively use these guides. The contents of Postpartum Doula Basics follows the same pattern as Birth Doula Basics with topics such as: Getting Started, Postpartum Doula Supplies, Prenatal Contract, Prenatal Consult Checklist, Record Keeping, Weekly Menu Planner, Baby Care Skills Checklist, Finances, and Handouts for Clients, to name a few.

I believe anyone who would purchase these books would find them invaluable in their daily business as a birth or postpartum doula. These books contain some of the most practical, up-to-date information I have seen in my years as both a birth and postpartum doula and I highly recommend them to not only new doulas, but those who have been practicing for years.

--Crystal Sada, CCE, CD, is a birth advocate, childbirth educator, and labor support and postpartum doula.