Empower Your Doula Dream at Your Own Pace!

Unlock your potential as a doula with our flexible,
self-paced online course led by Kicki Hansard.

Why Choose a Self-Paced Course?

In today's fast-paced world, finding the time to pursue your passions and professional development can be a challenge. That's where the flexibility of a self-paced online doula course shines. At The BirthBliss Academy, we understand the value of learning that moulds to your life, not the other way around. Discover why our flexible doula training is the perfect fit for your unique schedule and lifestyle.

To make your journey towards becoming a doula even more accessible, we offer the option of paying in six instalments. This flexible payment plan ensures that financial constraints don't hold you back from embarking on this rewarding career path. Start your training today and spread the cost over time, allowing you to focus on what truly matters - your education and the families you'll support.

No Deadlines, No Stress

Forget the pressure of meeting strict deadlines. Our flexible approach means you can absorb the material when it best suits you, ensuring a learning experience that’s as enjoyable as it is enriching. This stress-free environment not only aids in better retention of information but also makes your journey to becoming a doula a truly pleasurable one.

Access Course Materials Anytime, Anywhere

Whether you're at home, on the go, or have a spare moment between tasks, our course is fully accessible 24/7. All you need is an internet connection to access a comprehensive range of materials, from in-depth modules and interactive assignments to captivating videos and exclusive sessions with Kicki Hansard. Learning that's available when you are, wherever you are, ensures you never miss an opportunity to advance your skills.

Fit Learning Around Your Life

We believe your education should adapt to your daily routine, not disrupt it. Our self-paced online doula course is meticulously designed to ensure you can progress through the modules at your own rhythm. Whether you're balancing work, family, or other commitments, our course fits seamlessly into your life, allowing you to learn and grow without compromise. We offer regular Zoom sessions to connect to our friendly doula community and you can RSVP to any that you would like to attend.

Course Curriculum Tailored for You

Welcome to Your Doula Journey: Begin with a warm welcome from Kicki Hansard, dive into recommended readings, and share your birth stories. Kick-start your learning with a pre-course module that prepares you for success.

Module 1 - Introduction to Doula Support: Understand the role and history of doulas, the evidence supporting doula work, and explore what it means to provide support during childbirth.

Module 2 - The Birth Journey: Learn about birth physiology, the stages of labour, and how to support women and their partners through this transformative process. Discover the power of oxytocin, the fight or flight response, and the significance of the purple line and the Rhombus of Michaelis.

Module 3 - Pain Management and Challenges: Address pain management options, both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical, and learn about the care of a woman with an epidural. Explore variations of birth, including caesarean births, and understand the importance of the microbiome.

Module 4 - Postnatal Care: Dive into the role of a postnatal doula, supporting new mothers through the fourth trimester, and addressing common challenges faced by newborns and their families.

Module 5 - Infant Feeding: Cover the basics of breastfeeding, milk production, and how to support women in feeding their infants, whether through breastfeeding or formula feeding.

Module 6 - Communication: Develop essential communication and counselling skills for difficult situations, learn how to process birth experiences with women, their family, and navigate conversations with healthcare professionals.

Module 7 - Support Through Loss: Learn how to support women and families through grief and loss, understand the impacts of iatrogenesis in childbirth, and explore how to respond to challenging diagnoses.

Module 8 - Doula Business Essentials: Get to grips with the business side of being a doula, from HMRC registration and taxation to running your own business, marketing, and defining your services.

End of Course: Conclude with an assessment to review your learning journey and look forward to the next steps in your doula career.

Congratulations and Next Steps: Celebrate your achievement and explore what comes after completing the course, with a focus on continuous growth and support within The BirthBliss Academy doula community.

Download Full Curriculum

If you're driven by the vision of demystifying childbirth and showcasing it as a strength-filled, fear-free experience,

this course is for you.

Online & In Person Doula Training Course In The UK

Are you committed to leaving a lasting impact on the way birth and early parenthood are perceived and experienced?

Is your heart set on blending more quality time with your loved ones with a career that offers flexibility unlike any other?

Do tales of disempowering birth and postnatal experiences leave you wishing you could share the empowering knowledge you possess?

Are you on the lookout for a job that makes a difference and brings a sparkle to your eye?

TESTMINOIAL

How do I become a qualified doula?

The straightforward answer is that the journey to becoming a doula doesn’t have a final destination, as it's a role steeped in continuous learning and growth. There’s always something new to discover and embrace in this ever-evolving profession. This course is expertly crafted to equip you with the essentials for kick-starting your career as a doula. But the journey doesn't end there! By joining our Accreditation Programme, you can further flourish your doula enterprise. What’s more, having the backing of a seasoned doula as you navigate through your initial engagements will be invaluable in bolstering your confidence. This reflects your dedication to continuous learning and development. We’ll dive into this aspect more during the course. Don’t miss it!
Are there any entry requirements for the doula course?

Absolutely not! There’s no prerequisite for qualifications to join this course. The sole ingredient needed is your heartfelt desire to stand beside women/birthing individuals and their families, offering your support during the magical journey of pregnancy, the miracle of childbirth, and the nurturing postnatal phase.
I have not given birth myself so can I still be a doula?

While it's common to find many doulas who are mothers themselves, motherhood is by no means a prerequisite for becoming a doula. Embracing the role of a doula is all about being there for women and birthing individuals, providing support, nurturing, and care throughout their journey. If you haven't experienced childbirth personally, bringing some related life experience to the table can be a valuable asset. It’s all about connecting and empowering those you support.
I’m already a qualified midwife. Do I still need to come on the course to work as a doula?

Serving as a midwife entails a distinct set of responsibilities compared to those of a doula, and a midwife transitioning to a doula role might need to recalibrate and set aside some midwifery-specific duties. Doulas primarily offer emotional and practical support, steer clear of medical advice, and do not conduct clinical examinations or assessments. Instead of giving advice, doulas present information. Numerous midwives who have participated in doula training have found it to be an enlightening experience, with some even advocating that all midwives should undergo doula training to enrich their skills. It's also essential to recognise that undertaking formal doula training is not a requirement to work as a doula. At its core, the role of a doula is rooted in tradition. Throughout history, women and birthing individuals have been supported by their communities during pregnancy and childbirth, a practice that continues in many cultures today. As such, the profession of a doula is unregulated, and anyone with a passion for supporting others during childbirth can embrace the role.
How do I find clients and work as a doula?

Doulas operate as independent professionals and source their clientele through various channels such as The Doula Directory, recommendations from fellow doulas, personal websites, advertisements, networking, and word-of-mouth endorsements. Our doula training program incorporates a comprehensive segment on entrepreneurship, equipping doulas with the insights and tools needed to confidently venture into their own business upon course completion.
Can I make a living from being a doula?

If you are based in or near a bustling city, the prospects of securing work and earning a respectable salary are quite promising. The primary hurdle for many aspiring doulas is navigating the business elements. This course imparts a plethora of insights on strategies for success. Doulas who embrace an entrepreneurial mindset, and allocate resources towards their business through continued education, advertising, and marketing, are often more visible to expectant individuals and tend to earn a stable income. Moreover, if you are in search of a career that harmonises with family commitments and fuels your passion, this role can be immensely rewarding in ways that extend beyond financial gains.
What is different about your course?

Our course is uniquely crafted to embody the true spirit of a doula, integrating two decades of hands-on experience. Kicki, our principal trainer, has had the distinct privilege of training under Penny Simkin and Phyllis Klaus, who are among the founding members of DONA (Doulas Of North America). This is a rare feat, as we believe none of the other doula course creators in the UK can claim to have been mentored by these esteemed pioneers of the doula community. Furthermore, our facilitators are not just instructors; they are doulas who are actively engaged in the field. They bring a treasure trove of real-world experience and are deeply passionate about empowering women and families. The Aspiring Doula Course holds accreditation from FEDANT, an autonomous accreditation entity. Courses that receive FEDANT NCAV or NRSA accreditation have demonstrated a solid structure, encompass core components, and are pertinent to the profession. Additionally, our doula training program holds the distinction of being endorsed by the Complementary Medical Association, Doula Association of Ireland and Doula UK. This multi-faceted recognition speaks to the calibre and relevance of the education we offer.
I only want to work as a postnatal doula, do I really need to do a course for both birth and postnatal doulas?

You might initially think that enrolling in a postnatal doula course would suffice if that's the area you wish to concentrate on. However, it's important to consider that a significant portion of your time will involve discussions with your client about their birth experience. Gaining in-depth knowledge about childbirth, which this course provides, can be incredibly advantageous. Not only will it enhance your understanding, but it will also enable you to offer more informed and effective support to your client. I am of the strong conviction that having a foundation in birth-related knowledge is indispensable for anyone seeking to provide support during the postnatal period.
Are doulas in high demand?

In the UK, the annual birth count is approximately 700,000 babies, whereas the number of doulas is likely around 1,000. Evaluating the ratio of doulas to newborns, it's evident that there aren't enough doulas available to assist every birthing individual. Doulas residing in major cities such as London, Manchester, and Leeds often have their schedules filled several months ahead for both birth and postnatal services. This indicates a high demand and a potential opportunity for more individuals to enter the doula profession to cater to the needs of birthing families.

Take the first step towards a fulfilling career in doula support. Your journey begins with a click.

Our flexible, self-paced learning model ensures that no matter your current commitments, you can start and progress through your doula training on your own terms. Whether early bird or night owl, our course materials are available 24/7, ensuring you have the freedom to study whenever and wherever suits you best.

Enrol Now!

Dive into a world of knowledge and empowerment. Start your doula training journey today and embrace the flexibility that our self-paced online courses offer.

Online & In-Person Doula Training Course In The UK