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Do You Need a Doula UK Approved Course?
Do you need a Doula UK approved course? No. It is not a legal requirement. Kicki Hansard explains what really matters when choosing doula training in the UK and what BirthBliss offers instead, including FEDANT-accredited courses.

Kicki Hansard
Jul 213 min read


What does antenatal doula training include in the UK?
Many aspiring doulas quietly wonder whether they will feel confident enough to run antenatal sessions after training. In this article, I explain exactly what antenatal doula training in the UK should include and why BirthBliss doulas leave fully equipped to provide comprehensive antenatal support, without needing extra qualifications.

Kicki Hansard
Mar 27 min read


Understanding the Transition from Midwifery to Doula Work
Many midwives find themselves drawn towards doula work after realising they want to stay longer with women and offer a different kind of support. Although doula training can appear familiar on the surface, it is rooted in a very different way of being. This article explores why there is no shortcut from midwifery to doula work, why unlearning matters, and why doulas should be trained by those who have practised the role themselves.

Kicki Hansard
Feb 88 min read


What Are Ethical Foundations for Building a Doula Business?
Doula work sits between care and commerce, and how we hold that matters. This article explores five ethical foundations for building a sustainable doula business, from encouraging families to meet other doulas, to holding money with honesty, speaking respectfully about peers, keeping boundaries clear, and trusting that there is enough work to go around. A reflective piece on integrity, generosity, and long term sustainability in doula practice.

Kicki Hansard
Feb 26 min read


2026, The Year to Begin or Deepen Your Doula Journey
At the start of 2026, the year of the Fire Horse, many people feel a familiar pull towards work that feels meaningful. This blog speaks to those thinking about becoming a doula and to doulas already on the path. It explores new year intentions, the symbolism of the Fire Horse, and how doula training and doula work can grow with confidence, clarity, and trust in yourself.

Kicki Hansard
Jan 26 min read


How Does a Doula’s Presence Influence Birth Outcomes?
Many people drawn to doula work say they are “good at being with people,” even before they know why that matters. This article explores the observer effect and why how a doula watches, listens, and shows up can shape birth physiology, emotional safety, and parental confidence. Grounded in research and lived experience, it explains why presence sits at the heart of BirthBliss doula training.

Kicki Hansard
Dec 17, 20256 min read


How to Build a Beautiful Doula Website That Actually Works
Building your doula website is one of the biggest steps in becoming a doula. It is your online home and your shop window, helping families understand who you are, what you offer, and how to reach you. A clear, welcoming site builds confidence, supports your doula business, and makes it easier for the right families to find you. A simple, warm website works far better than a complicated one.

Kicki Hansard
Dec 10, 20257 min read


Is Being a Doula the Right Career for You? 10 Signs This Role Could Be Your Calling
Wondering if becoming a doula is the right path for you? In this guide, we explore 10 clear signs that this role could be your calling. From being the person everyone opens up to, to feeling drawn to pregnancy and birth, to wanting meaningful, flexible work, you’ll discover whether doula training could be the next step in your journey. Find out how The BirthBliss Academy can help you turn your natural gifts into a fulfilling and life-changing career.

Kicki Hansard
Aug 11, 20255 min read


The Doula Detective: Asking the Right Questions
Being a doula is a bit like being a detective - like Jessica Fletcher, gently uncovering what matters most through thoughtful questions. Whether you're supporting someone through birth or in the early postnatal weeks, asking the right questions helps you build trust, understand their needs, and offer support that truly fits. This blog explores how to stay curious without being intrusive and how to hold space with care.

Kicki Hansard
Apr 15, 20256 min read


What Skills Does a Doula Need?
Thinking about becoming a doula? Or maybe you’ve already taken the first step and are wondering what makes a truly great one.

Kicki Hansard
Apr 8, 20257 min read


Understanding the Value of Doula Training: Why It's Worth the Investment
Thinking about becoming a doula? Discover why doula training is an investment in yourself and your business, and why it’s worth paying for.

Kicki Hansard
Mar 15, 20254 min read


Can I Be a Doula Without Completing a Doula Training Course?
It's a question I'm asked almost every month and if I'm honest, I think it's often the wrong question. People usually ask it because they're trying to work out whether becoming a doula is something they are allowed to do. They want to know whether there is a qualification they must have, whether they need to be a midwife first or whether someone has to give them permission before they can begin supporting families. The answer is surprisingly simple. No. In the UK, there is no

Kicki Hansard
Sep 18, 202312 min read


Doula Dreams: 10 Golden Tips to Pick the Right Course for You!
Aspiring doula sitting on a bed reading course material

Kicki Hansard
Jul 24, 20233 min read


Unpredictable hours, no secure income, 24 hours on call... Why would anyone want to be a doula?
At first glance, being a doula might not look all that appealing.

Kicki Hansard
Mar 31, 20234 min read


Why Are Doula Courses So Short?
There's a question I'm frequently asked: why is my doula preparation course so short? Can a four-day workshop plus a pre- and post-course module prepare someone who has no other formal training to become a doula? I always answer yes. I don’t say that lightly, by the way. I have nearly two decades experience facilitating doula courses and set up my own training company in 2012. This year alone, I'm running 12 courses up and down the country and I am always reviewing, developin

Kicki Hansard
Jan 10, 20234 min read
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