A guide for midwives and doulas on setting up in private practice

This book provides a guide for midwives and doulas who want to establish a maternity-related business offering services such as pregnancy complementary therapies, antenatal classes, lactation support or full doula care. The book is designed to help potential entrepreneurs explore whether this is the right decision for them and provides guidance on the legal, financial and business aspects of setting up in private practice, specifically tailored to maternity care. Advice is given on marketing and pricing and there is debate around the professional and ethical issues for midwives and doulas, including avoiding conflicts of interest and maintaining professional integrity. Case studies of midwives and doulas who have taken the step to set up in private practice are included, and there are various activities to help the reader with their personal plans for their business.

"This book is a clear, comprehensive guide to setting up a business. It is packed with detail, yet proved to be interesting and thought-provoking on many levels. I read it in an afternoon but found it succinct and 'meaty'. I would definitely recommend this book (and already have) to anyone starting a maternity business. There don't seem to be many stones left unturned and there is a pervading positive, supportive but realistic approach throughout the book to setting up a private practice or social enterprise." - MIDIRS Midwifery Digest