Diploma in Birth and Postnatal Doula Support
A thoughtful and practical pathway into birth and postnatal doula work through The BirthBliss Doula Academy.
The BirthBliss Doula Academy offers a deeply thoughtful and practical pathway into birth and postnatal doula work.
Students who complete the full BirthBliss training course, including the reflective pre and post-course module work, receive a Diploma in Birth and Postnatal Doula Support.
This diploma reflects the understanding, commitment and practical foundation developed throughout the course. It recognises not only attendance, but active engagement with the learning process and the emotional depth of supporting families during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
The BirthBliss Doula Academy has been training doulas since 2005 and has supported over 1,000 doulas across the UK and internationally.
What does the diploma include?
The diploma is awarded after successful completion of:
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The BirthBliss Doula Academy training course
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All reflective pre-course modules
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Post-course reflective work
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Participation in the learning process throughout the training
The course itself explores both birth and postnatal doula support and includes subjects such as:
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Physiology of birth
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Emotional and practical support during labour
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Birth preparation and childbirth education
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Supporting partners and families
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Postnatal recovery and emotional well-being
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Newborn behaviour and infant feeding
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Trauma-informed support
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Communication and listening skills
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Boundaries and professionalism
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Building a sustainable doula business
You can explore the full course curriculum here:
Birth and Postnatal Doula Course
What is a birth and postnatal doula?
A doula offers emotional, practical and informational support to families during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
Birth doulas support families during pregnancy and labour.
Postnatal doulas support families after the baby is born, helping parents adjust emotionally and practically to life with a new baby.
Doulas are not medical professionals. Their role is centred around companionship, support, listening and helping families feel informed and emotionally held throughout the experience.
You can learn more about doula support here:
Online and in-person doula training
The BirthBliss Diploma in Birth and Postnatal Doula Support can be completed through:
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In-person doula training courses
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Self-paced online doula training
Both routes include reflective learning, ongoing support and access to the wider BirthBliss community.
Explore training options:
Self-Paced Online Doula Course
What happens after the diploma?
Many doulas begin supporting families after completing the diploma course.
Some choose to continue developing through the optional BirthBliss Certification Programme.
The Certification Programme is a separate supported pathway designed to help doulas grow in confidence while gaining real-life experience with families.
This includes mentoring, reflective debrief sessions and ongoing guidance from experienced doulas.
Learn more about certification:
BirthBliss Certification Programme
Why train with The BirthBliss Doula Academy?
The BirthBliss Doula Academy was created by Kicki Hansard, a doula, author and educator who has spent more than two decades supporting doulas and families through training, mentoring and education.
The training brings together practical knowledge, emotional understanding and real-life experience. Rather than simply focusing on information, the course encourages students to develop confidence in themselves, their ability to listen and their way of supporting others.
Many students describe the course as personally meaningful as well as professionally valuable, because becoming a doula often changes the way people see birth, parenting, relationships and themselves.
The course is designed for people who feel drawn to supporting women and families with warmth, steadiness and compassion during one of the most important transitions of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the diploma awarded after attendance alone?
No.
Students receive the Diploma in Birth and Postnatal Doula Support after completing the full course, including the required pre and post-course reflective work.
Can I work as a doula after completing the diploma?
Yes.
Many doulas begin supporting families after completing their training and diploma.
Is certification included in the diploma?
No.
Certification is a separate optional pathway that takes place after training while doulas gain practical experience working with families.
Can I complete the diploma online?
Yes.
The BirthBliss Doula Academy offers a self-paced online doula course as well as in-person training options.
How long does the course take?
This depends on whether you choose the self-paced online course or an in-person training route.
You can explore current course options and dates here:
Begin your doula journey
If you feel drawn towards supporting women and families through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period, the BirthBliss Doula Academy offers a grounded and supportive place to begin.
Explore the course here: