Education | Inspiration | Support
The Doula Course For Aspiring Doulas
Becoming a doula begins with who you are, not simply what you know.
Train with one of the UK's longest-established organisations dedicated to birth and postnatal doula education, certification and professional development.
20+ Years
Supporting & Training Doulas
Trusted by
1,500+ Doulas Across the UK & Abroad
Online & In-person
Flexible Training Options
Small Groups
Maximum eight Participants
Ongoing Support
Mentoring and Community
WELCOME
Welcome to The BirthBliss Doula Academy
We are about more than learning what a doula does. We are about understanding the qualities you already bring and learning how to use them with confidence, care and professional awareness.
Empathy, compassion and the ability to be present with another person may already be part of who you are. Our course helps you build upon those qualities through thoughtful doula education, practical learning and honest reflection.
You will develop the knowledge, communication skills and professional understanding needed to support families well. We will also help you explore the practical side of beginning your work and creating a doula business that feels sustainable and true to you.
IS THIS YOU?
You might already be a doula if…
✓ People tend to open up to you. You listen without rushing to fix things.
✓ You find yourself reading birth stories late into the night.
✓ You believe every woman deserves to feel heard and respected, however she gives birth.
✓ You stay steady when other people are anxious, or you would like to learn how.
✓ You want work that matters to you and fits around the rest of your life.
✓ You have been wondering about this for a while and want to find out more.
You don’t need a medical background or children of your own. Most of what makes a good doula is already part of who you are. Training helps you understand the role, know its limits and use what you have well.
IN THE PRESS
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WHY BIRTHBLISS
Why train with us?
01
Training grounded in experience
Learn with Kicki Hansard, a doula since 2002 and doula trainer since 2005. More than 1,500 doulas have trained with Kicki.
02
Support that feels personal
In-person courses are limited to eight participants, giving you time to ask questions, practise skills and reflect together. Online students can join live sessions and receive support too.
03
Help as you begin working
Your support continues after the course through the BirthBliss community, live sessions and further learning, giving you somewhere to bring your questions as you begin working with families.
TWO WAYS TO TRAIN
How you can train with us
AFTER THE COURSE
What happens when I finish?
Once you have completed the training and reflective modules, you receive the BirthBliss Diploma in Birth and Postnatal Doula Support.
You can then begin working with families if you feel ready.
If you would like structured support while you gain experience, the BirthBliss Certification Programme is available as a separate optional next step.
RECOGNITION
Independent recognition and professional connections
BirthBliss is independently accredited by FEDANT and approved by the Doula Association of Ireland.
We are also members of organisations that support birth education, maternity rights and professional development.
YOUR TRAINER
Meet Kicki Hansard
Choosing where to train is an important decision.
You may be wondering who will actually teach you, whether you'll be supported once the course is over and whether experience really makes a difference.
Kicki Hansard has worked as a doula since 2002 and has been training doulas since 2005. She has played an important role in the development of the doula profession in the UK, is the author of two books on birth and postnatal support and has trained more than 1,500 doulas across the UK and internationally.
She founded The BirthBliss Doula Academy in 2012 because she wanted to create the kind of education she believed aspiring doulas deserved. One that combines knowledge with reflection, practical experience and ongoing support.
She continues to teach every BirthBliss course herself because she believes the relationship between teacher and student is one of the most valuable parts of learning.
GRADUATES
What our graduates say
“YES to becoming a doula! I found the most phenomenal course and finished it back in 2019. My teacher, Kicki Hansard at The BirthBliss Academy is sunshine bottled up in human and I adore her.”
CHESSIE KING CARTER
“Doing Kicki's course was probably the best money I have ever spent. The course covered everything I could have wished for, was well structured, set in a beautiful informal setting and I enjoyed the intimate atmosphere with a small group of women. I not only feel well prepared to start my path as a doula, but I feel uplifted as a mother and as a woman.”
ELOISE RICKMAN
“Most definitely one of the most inspiring courses I have been on. Kicki has a vast wealth of knowledge and you come away feeling confident for the next step of your doula journey. Would most definitely recommend her course to anyone thinking of becoming a doula.”
SUE LLOYD
“If you’re on Kicki’s website searching for the doula course, the Universe has brought you here for a reason. She is one of the strongest, ambitious and wise women I have ever met. This course will not only provide you with all the knowledge you need on how to support a woman during pregnancy and childbirth, but will also prepare you to run your own business. Don’t look any further!”
MALWINA DOWNING
“Absolutely brilliant course! I felt Kicki was really welcoming, it made me feel warm and more confident. I think this course gives you a better understanding of what a doula can do and how fantastic this job is, to support women in the most precious time of women’s life.”
PRATIKSHA AGARWAL
IN THEIR WORDS
Video testimonials
Emily Bray
Arabella Barnum-Bobb
Claire Dorfan
NEXT STEPS
Not sure where to begin?
If you're still working out how becoming a doula actually works in the UK, I've put together a complete guide covering training, qualifications, certification, finding clients, fees and what happens after your course.
You may still be wondering...
COMMUNITY
Join our doula village
The BirthBliss Doula Village is an online community created for doulas who want connection, encouragement and ongoing support from people who truly understand the work. A place to ask questions, share experiences, continue learning and feel part of something bigger than yourself.
Inside the Village you’ll find thoughtful conversations, live sessions, business support, CPD opportunities and a warm community of doulas at different stages of their work.
Whether you are newly exploring doula work or have been supporting families for years, you are welcome here.
Because doulas need holding too.
