Cancellation, Refund & Payment Policy

We believe in being open, fair, and clear with everyone who books a course, joins our programmes, or purchases a resource. This page outlines what happens if plans change – on your side or ours.

In Brief

When we make a course or training day available, it’s our full and firm intention to run it, and we do everything we can to make it happen. By booking onto our training, we hope you’ll do the same.

This policy sets out what happens if either of us can’t follow through – whether that’s us not being able to run the event, or you not being able to attend.

In-Person Courses & Training Days

Our Side

We don’t promote events on a ‘provisional’ basis. If we say it’s happening, it’s happening, unless something outside of our control occurs. We would only cancel an event in cases such as:

The venue becomes suddenly unavailable (e.g. flooding, fire, or breach of contract)
The facilitator is severely ill (e.g. laryngitis or unable to stand and speak)
Government restrictions prevent us from running the course (e.g. national lockdowns)
We do not reach the minimum number of participants needed to run the course effectively

Other circumstances may include acts of terrorism or war, but we focus on the more likely scenarios.

If we cancel due to these or similar force majeure events:

We will reschedule the event in the same area and transfer your booking
If you can’t attend the new date, you can transfer to another one of our events
If the course is cancelled due to low numbers, you will have the option to either receive a full refund or transfer to another upcoming course

We do not offer refunds in these circumstances when a course is rescheduled, as we are still delivering the service. However, in the case of low participant numbers, a full refund will be offered if you choose not to transfer.

Note: The BirthBliss Doula Academy reserves the right to change teachers or venue at any time and to adjust fees without prior notice. Travel expenses will not be refunded under any circumstances. If you’re flying, we recommend flexible tickets or travel insurance.

Your Side

Please only book onto a course or training day if you’re confident you can attend. We often sell out, and every spot matters.

Your Right to Cancel

Your right to cancel and receive a full refund starts when you place your order and lasts for 14 days. If the course starts within that 14-day window, you give consent to waive your cooling-off period, and the following policy applies.

Refunds (based on the full course fee):

More than 4 weeks’ notice: 75% refund
15 days or more before the event: 50% refund
72 hours or more before the event: 25% refund
Less than 72 hours’ notice: No refund
However, at our discretion, we may offer a transfer depending on the circumstances.

We understand that unexpected events like illness or bereavement happen. If that’s the case, please get in touch – we’ll always consider your situation and aim to be fair and kind.

Payment Plans

If you’ve chosen to pay by instalments, please note the following:

Your booking is a commitment to pay the full course fee, regardless of how much has been paid so far
For in-person training, at least 80% of the fee must be paid before the course start date to attend
For online courses, certificates of completion are only issued once the full course fee has been paid
If you cancel or withdraw during an active payment plan, the remaining balance will still be due, unless agreed in writing
Missed or late payments may lead to suspended access to course content, community spaces, or mentoring support
Course bookings are non-transferable unless agreed in writing

We offer payment plans to increase access to doula training, and we trust that those who use them will honour their commitment. You can read our full Payment Plan Terms & Conditions for more details.

Disputed Payments
If you raise a chargeback or dispute with your bank without first contacting us, your access to all current and future BirthBliss Academy services will be suspended. We encourage open communication and are always happy to resolve issues directly.

Missed Training Days

We don’t offer partial refunds for missed training days. If you miss part of your course, you may need to wait for a future intake or arrange a private catch-up, which may incur an extra fee.

No-Shows: If you don’t attend the training and haven’t been in touch, your booking will be treated as a last-minute cancellation and no refund will be given.

Self-Paced Online Course

We want you to feel confident when enrolling in our self-paced courses. Here's how our refund policy works:

Immediate Access & UK Consumer Law

As this is a digital product with immediate access, you waive your 14-day right to cancel under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. This is in line with UK consumer law for digital content.

Our Refund Terms:

Full refund within 7 days – if you’ve accessed less than 5% of the course
50% refund between day 8 and day 14 – if you’ve accessed less than 30% of the course
No refunds after 14 days – regardless of course progress

Important: If a refund is granted, your access to the course will end immediately. This includes removal of your login and all course materials. As this course includes lifetime access, please make sure it's the right fit for you before enrolling. Access cannot be reinstated unless you choose to re-enrol and pay the full course fee again.

Accreditation Programme

You begin your accreditation after completing the post-course module.
You have three months from your final training day to submit your post-course work.
Extensions can be requested due to special circumstances (e.g. health issues, bereavement).

You may choose:

Birth doula accreditation
Postnatal doula accreditation
Or full accreditation for both

The accreditation programme includes 24 months of mentoring from your Doula Coach. If more time is needed, you’ll need to reapply and pay a small extension fee (any jobs already signed off can be carried forward).

If you need to pause your accreditation due to maternity leave, health, or bereavement, please inform your Doula Coach.

Six-Month Free Listing on The Doula Directory

You will receive access to an offer for six months of free listing on The Doula Directory. This offer:

Is valid for three months from the last day of your course
Cannot be exchanged for cash
Requires completion of the post-course module before you can be listed

Resource Orders from the Store

Your Right to Cancel

You may cancel your order from the moment you place it up to 14 days after you receive the item. You then have a further 14 days to return it.

Refund Conditions

Refunds will be processed within 14 days of receiving the returned item or proof of return (e.g. tracking or receipt)
Items must be returned in pristine condition
Only basic delivery costs will be refunded (e.g. second class rate)

Faulty or Damaged Goods

You have full rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If an item is faulty or doesn’t match its description, we’ll replace it or refund you in full (including postage). Please contact us with photos and a short description.

Behaviour and Code of Conduct

We reserve the right to remove any participant from a course, programme, or online space if their behaviour is disruptive, harmful, or violates our community guidelines or core values. No refund will be given in these circumstances.

If a situation arises, we will always aim to talk things through first. In serious cases, we may take immediate action to protect the wellbeing of others. If you believe a decision has been made unfairly, you can request a review by emailing us within 7 days. We will consider your concerns and respond within a reasonable timeframe.

However, all final decisions regarding participation rest with The BirthBliss Academy and are not open to further appeal.

Booking Confirmations and Reminders

You’ll receive an email confirming your booking. If you’re on a payment plan, automatic reminders will be sent for each instalment. It’s your responsibility to track your schedule and payments. If something changes and you’re struggling to keep up, please reach out early, we’ll always try to help.

Need Help?

If you have any questions about your booking, payment, refund eligibility or anything else, please don’t hesitate to email us at email us.

Updated 11/07/2025