The BirthBliss Academy Diploma and Certification Pathway

After completing the BirthBliss Doula Academy training and receiving a Diploma in Birth and Postnatal Doula Support, many doulas choose to continue developing through the BirthBliss Certification Programme.

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The diploma reflects completion of the full training course, including the pre- and post-course module work. Certification is a separate supported pathway that takes place afterwards, once doulas begin working with families and gaining real-life experience. The Certification Programme exists to support doulas as they grow into the work with guidance, reflection and encouragement from an experienced doula coach

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The Certification Programme is so much more than a tick box exercise. It is not about racing through four births or four postnatal experiences. It is a gentle way for you to grow into your doula work with the steady support of an experienced doula who walks alongside you as your coach. This is the stage where you find your feet and start discovering who you are and how you want to show up for the families you support.

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The programme is never about judging you or measuring you against anyone else. It is about creating a nurturing space where you can talk openly about your work, your thoughts, your worries and your wins. Your coach is there so you can ask questions, share challenges and celebrate all the moments that help you grow. When we take away the fear of being judged, learning feels lighter. You get to pause, reflect, reconnect with yourself and step into each new experience with more confidence and trust in your abilities.

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Our Certification Programme also includes support around the practical side of doula work. Being a doula is about companionship and care and it is also about learning how to work sustainably, communicate clearly, manage boundaries and build a business that feels steady and manageable. 

 

Certification is entirely optional. Anyone can work as a doula, whether trained or certified in any way. This pathway exists for doulas who would value additional support, reflection and guidance while gaining experience and building confidence in the work. 

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We designed the Certification Programme to be clear, supportive and transparent. Our aim is for you to feel held both in your doula work and in the practical side of being self-employed. We keep listening to our doulas and gathering feedback so the programme can evolve over time. We love walking beside you from your first steps on the course all the way through to becoming a Certified BirthBliss doula.

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What certification involves

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Requirements for BirthBliss Certification

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• Completion of The BirthBliss Doula Academy Doula Course, including all pre- and post-course work.

• For birth certification, doulas are asked to support four births. This includes a minimum of two antenatal sessions, the on-call period and the birth itself.

• For postnatal certification, we would like you to support four families and offer a minimum of five sessions to each.

• Previous experience within the last 12 months may be counted if we can receive a feedback form from the person you supported.

• You may support one friend or family member during the programme. Every family brings something valuable to your learning.

• If you are volunteering for a not for profit organisation you may put forward two jobs towards your certification requirements.*

• After each experience we would like you to speak with your Doula Coach. These conversations help you carry forward what you have learned into your next job.

• The process usually takes between 6 and 24 months. Staying in regular contact with your Doula Coach is really important.

 

Cost:

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Sign-up fee for the Certification Programme: £40.00

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Certification support sessions: £60 per client experience

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(These reflective debrief sessions take place after each birth or postnatal experience and offer space to process, reflect and continue growing in confidence. There will be a total of 4 birth clients and/or 4 postnatal clients debriefs.)

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​For more information download Journey for the Doula Certification Programme.

​We cannot wait to welcome you in and to support you as you grow into your work and step into Certified Doula status.

* We have capped it at two as we are looking for the doula to gain experience working with paying clients from the perspective of running a business, e.g., sending invoices, being accountable etc. Feedback may not always be possible to obtain due to safeguarding issues, however, please exhaust all avenues first to see if it is possible.

Examples are:
• A phone call with the client.
• An email from a social worker or key worker giving a reference on behalf of the client.
• An email from an elder/mentor/coach from within the organisation the doula has represented.