It's time to chat about what you've read!

I've compiled a few questions/points to start us off with, which will hopefully get the discussion going, and will add more along the way. You don't have to answer all of the questions, and this list is only a guide; feel free to chat about any aspects of the book that you found interesting!

• We know that strong relationships often develop over time. What do you think about Doulas attending childbirth classes and prenatal appointments with their clients?
• How important do you feel it is for Doulas to tour the hospitals in their area and meet with local care providers that they may be working with, prior to a client's birth?
• In the beginning of the book, there is a list called "How Will You Feel?" (page 11 of my copy) which includes questions that give you an idea of situations and feelings birth partners may encounter. Applying these to your role as a Doula, do you feel strongly about any of the scenarios?
• Do you think clients should keep a birth kit in their home in case of precipitous labour?
• Is there anything you are not comfortable doing within your role as a birth partner?
• Did you feel there was anything missing from the book that you think would be helpful for other birth partners to know?
• Would you recommend this book to other Doulas? What about clients?
• How has/will this book affected your work as a Doula, if at all?
• What did you like most about this book? Was there anything you didn't particularly like?

Please consider writing up a Review when you're done!

How is everyone doing with their reading?

Since no one else is going to jump in....I'm a little behind because I didn't expect to have to re-read this one. I was hoping to skim and chat. Well, wouldn't you know it I couldn't find my copy so I just HAD to go out and buy the next edition. So far I'm about 3+ chapters in so I haven't gotten into the meaty stuff yet.

My thoughts so far....I feel like there have been a couple of opportunities for pointing out some things that have been passed up(like the safety of co-sleeping for example) . I'm not making a judgement just yet because I'm hoping there will be more depth on the hot topics further into the book.

How far along is everyone? How many have the older version and how many are reading the newer one?

Oops! I just saw this post. I finished it last week, and loved it! Love the new sections for "what will the doula be doing". Gotta run now, but I'll come back and answer the questions your have in your first post, aus.

I just joined the book club and have to go buy it.

Suzanne

It really is a g reat, basic guide to being a birth partner; I think every Doula should have it in their collection!

Anyone have any thoughts on the differences between the previous version and the new version? Is there enough new information to warrant buying the new version?

My copy of the old version is falling apart and flagged and highlighted and I carry it in my bag but if there is new info I would love to be on the up and up - LOL.