The BirthBliss Academy Self-Paced Doula Course
A comprehensive program for validating, creating, launching, and growing your doula business.
This self-paced doula course not only shows you exactly how to become a birth and postnatal doula with confidence, but also how to market your services and connect with potential clients.
Before I tell you all about this course, let’s talk about who this is really for…
The BirthBliss Academy self-paced doula course is for passionate women like you who’ve always felt drawn to pregnancy and parenting.
You’ve always known you were born with the qualities of a doula: empathy, compassion, and care. You want to make a difference in the world, supporting women through such an important time.
Now, you’re ready to build a fulfilling doula business and work on your own terms, whenever, wherever, and however you choose.
So, whether you’re…
THE ASPIRING DOULA BALANCING A BUSY LIFE
You’re passionate about becoming a doula but find it hard to fit a traditional course into your full-time schedule. Our self-paced course lets you learn at your own rhythm, without deadlines, so you can pursue your dream without stress.
THE CAREER SHIFTER
SEEKING FLEXIBILITY
You’re working full-time but ready to transition into a meaningful career as a doula. Our online course is designed to fit around your commitments, offering 24/7 access to materials and the ability to spread the cost with flexible payment options.
THE MATERNITY PROFESSIONAL WITH AMBITION
You're someone who is already immersed in the world of pregnancy and parenting, like a yoga instructor, antenatal teacher, hypnobirthing educator, or former midwife, looking to expand your skills and impact by becoming a certified birth and postnatal doula.
You're In the Right Place
By the end of the program, you will have ...
01
Nailed Down Your
Doula Expertise
Fully grasp the role of a doula, ensuring you’re prepared to support families confidently and effectively.
04
Expertly Crafted Your Doula Service Offering
Create compelling, well-structured service packages that meet client needs.
02
Validated Your
Career Path
Gain confidence through your growing knowledge and ensuring your skills align with what clients need and value.
05
Crafted Your Business and Marketing Plan
Develop a strategic plan to grow your doula business, even if you're new to entrepreneurship.
03
Developed High-Impact Communication Skills
Learn to create meaningful connections with clients, offering them tailored and individualised support.
06
Started to Cultivated a Supportive Community
Build and nurture a network of clients, colleagues, and other birth professionals.
Why 1000+ Aspiring Doulas Trust The BirthBliss Academy
Over The Rest
You want to get your doula training right the first time, so that you can make a real impact from the start.
Trust your intuition, you’ll know when something feels right. If this course resonates with you, it's because it aligns with who you are and what you’re meant to do. Let your instincts guide you to what feels like the perfect fit.
But above all ...
The BirthBliss Academy self-paced doula course will empower you to build a meaningful career that’s not just about counting hours.
You’ll have the freedom to choose your clients and focus on what truly matters, all while creating a sustainable and impactful business that makes a real difference in the lives of women and their families.
To sum it up… Here’s what you get when you enrol:
Comprehensive Doula Training:
Six detailed modules covering everything you need to become a certified doula and support families with confidence.
Business Growth Strategies:
Tools and strategies for marketing your doula services, building your client base, and creating a sustainable, rewarding career.
Flexible Learning:
Access to a step-by-step program that fits your schedule, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
Community Support:
Join regular Zoom sessions and connect with a supportive community of fellow doulas.
Why YOU deserve to do something fulfilling that truly lights you up and makes a difference ...
Over 130 million women will give birth this year (according to global estimates). That means becoming a certified doula, right now, is an incredibly smart move.
It’s YOUR time and YOUR year to make a significant change in your life and career.
Your future clients are out there, searching for the support and guidance only you can provide. There’s truly never been a better time to step into this role and help those who need you.
Maybe you don’t feel like an “expert” yet, and doubt creeps in. I get it - I’ve been there.
The BirthBliss Academy was created to gradually replace those doubts with confidence. Our program shows you step-by-step how to turn your passion for supporting women and their families into a rewarding career as a doula.
No more second-guessing. No more procrastination. No more “what ifs.” You can create the life you want while making a real difference in the lives of others.
Wanna know who succeeds as a doula?
It’s not about being the smartest, most
experienced, or most outgoing. It’s about being willing to try, learn, fall down a few times, and get back up because you’re committed to building a career based on what you value most.
There’s a place for you in this world, friend. And I’m here to walk alongside you, every step of the way.
Should you choose to say YES to your future, I personally guarantee that these next 9 weeks and beyond will be completely and utterly life-changing.
I can’t wait to meet you and cheer you on inside The BirthBliss Academy!
ALL my best,
Kicki x
Course Curriculum
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.
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1. What is a doula and what do they do?A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, informational, and physical support to families during pregnancy, birth, and the early postnatal period. Unlike midwives or doctors, doulas are not medically trained – their role is to walk alongside the birthing person, helping them feel empowered, informed, and supported. Doulas offer a continuous presence during labour, help with birth preparation, and may also support families after the baby arrives.
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2. How do I become a doula in the UK?To become a doula in the UK, you typically complete a recognised doula training course, like the ones we offer at The BirthBliss Academy. There are no legal requirements or mandatory qualifications, but high-quality training is essential to ensure you can offer safe, confident support. Many new doulas also join mentoring or accreditation programmes to gain practical experience and build a strong foundation. Explore our doula training options here →
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3. Do I need qualifications to be a doula?In the UK, doulas are not regulated by law, so formal qualifications are not legally required. However, completing an accredited doula training course will give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to support families well. Most clients expect their doula to be trained, and many organisations and directories (like Doula UK and The Doula Directory) require it.
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4. What’s the difference between a birth doula and a postnatal doula?A birth doula supports a woman and her partner before, during, and immediately after labour. Their role includes birth preparation, emotional reassurance during labour, and helping the woman feel confident, safe, and informed throughout the experience. A postnatal doula supports the family at home after the baby is born, offering practical help, emotional support, and a calm, non-judgemental presence during the early weeks of parenthood. Even if you’re planning to work only as a postnatal doula, it’s really valuable to have training in both areas. Many new mothers want to talk about and process their birth experience during the postnatal period, and having a solid understanding of labour and birth can be incredibly helpful in offering the right support.
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5. How long does doula training take?This depends on the course format. In-person doula courses can be completed in 3–5 days of intensive training. Our self-paced online course can be completed in as little as 4–6 weeks or spread out over a few months if needed. After training, many doulas continue learning through mentoring or an Accreditation Programme to build real-life experience.
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6. How much does doula training cost in the UK?Doula training in the UK typically ranges from £500 to over £1,000 depending on the provider and format. At The BirthBliss Academy, we offer two flexible training options: Self-Paced Online Course – £648, or 6 monthly payments of £108 In-Person Doula Training – £848, with the option to pay over 3 or 6 months Just contact us to arrange it. Both options include lifetime access to course materials, access to our private community, and a 6-month free listing on The Doula Directory.
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7. Can I train to be a doula online?Yes – and it's one of the most flexible options available. Our online doula training course allows you to learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. You'll still be part of a warm, supportive community through live Zoom sessions, Facebook group access, and other events that help you deepen your learning and feel connected. Find out more about our self-paced online course →
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8. Is doula work a good career?Absolutely. Doula work can be deeply fulfilling, allowing you to support families at a transformative time in their lives. Many doulas work flexibly, set their own hours, and grow a career around their lifestyle. While income can vary, many doulas charge £1,000+ per birth support package, and postnatal work offers ongoing opportunities.
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9. Will I get support after training to start working as a doula?Yes – especially if you train with BirthBliss Academy. Our students are invited to join a supportive community, attend live sessions, and access optional one-to-one coaching through our Accreditation Programme. This structured support helps you grow in confidence and feel fully ready to support your first clients.
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10. How do I choose the right doula training course?Look for a course that aligns with your values, offers trauma-informed content, and includes ongoing support beyond the classroom. Consider whether you prefer in-person or online learning, and check if the course is approved by organisations like Doula UK or FEDANT. It’s also a good idea to speak to a few different course providers and ask questions about their approach, their support, and their community. Then go with your gut feeling – finding the right doula course is a lot like finding the right doula: it should feel like the right fit for you.
Is This Course Right for You?
This online course is best completed on a computer or laptop, rather than a phone or tablet. You’ll need to be comfortable using basic computer functions — like logging in, navigating websites, playing videos, downloading PDFs and typing up your reflections.
The course is delivered in English, both written and spoken, so you’ll need to be able to read and understand English to fully take part.
You’ll also need:
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A stable internet connection
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The ability to manage your own time and learning at your own pace
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A quiet space where you can focus, especially during the more reflective or emotional topics
If you’re unsure whether this course is right for you, feel free to get in touch. We’re happy to help.