The straightforward answer is that the journey to becoming a doula doesn’t have a final destination, as it's a role steeped in continuous learning and growth. There’s always something new to discover and embrace in this ever-evolving profession. This course is expertly crafted to equip you with the essentials for kick-starting your career as a doula. But the journey doesn't end there! By joining our Accreditation Programme, you can further flourish your doula enterprise. What’s more, having the backing of a seasoned doula as you navigate through your initial engagements will be invaluable in bolstering your confidence. This reflects your dedication to continuous learning and development. We’ll dive into this aspect more during the course. Don’t miss it!

Absolutely not! There’s no prerequisite for qualifications to join this course. The sole ingredient needed is your heartfelt desire to stand beside women/birthing individuals and their families, offering your support during the magical journey of pregnancy, the miracle of childbirth, and the nurturing postnatal phase.

While it's common to find many doulas who are mothers themselves, motherhood is by no means a prerequisite for becoming a doula. Embracing the role of a doula is all about being there for women and birthing individuals, providing support, nurturing, and care throughout their journey. If you haven't experienced childbirth personally, bringing some related life experience to the table can be a valuable asset. It’s all about connecting and empowering those you support.

Serving as a midwife entails a distinct set of responsibilities compared to those of a doula, and a midwife transitioning to a doula role might need to recalibrate and set aside some midwifery-specific duties. Doulas primarily offer emotional and practical support, steer clear of medical advice, and do not conduct clinical examinations or assessments. Instead of giving advice, doulas present information. Numerous midwives who have participated in doula training have found it to be an enlightening experience, with some even advocating that all midwives should undergo doula training to enrich their skills. It's also essential to recognise that undertaking formal doula training is not a requirement to work as a doula. At its core, the role of a doula is rooted in tradition. Throughout history, women and birthing individuals have been supported by their communities during pregnancy and childbirth, a practice that continues in many cultures today. As such, the profession of a doula is unregulated, and anyone with a passion for supporting others during childbirth can embrace the role.

Doulas operate as independent professionals and source their clientele through various channels such as The Doula Directory, recommendations from fellow doulas, personal websites, advertisements, networking, and word-of-mouth endorsements. Our doula training program incorporates a comprehensive segment on entrepreneurship, equipping doulas with the insights and tools needed to confidently venture into their own business upon course completion.

If you are based in or near a bustling city, the prospects of securing work and earning a respectable salary are quite promising. The primary hurdle for many aspiring doulas is navigating the business elements. This course imparts a plethora of insights on strategies for success. Doulas who embrace an entrepreneurial mindset, and allocate resources towards their business through continued education, advertising, and marketing, are often more visible to expectant individuals and tend to earn a stable income. Moreover, if you are in search of a career that harmonises with family commitments and fuels your passion, this role can be immensely rewarding in ways that extend beyond financial gains.

Our course is uniquely crafted to embody the true spirit of a doula, integrating two decades of hands-on experience. Kicki, our principal trainer, has had the distinct privilege of training under Penny Simkin and Phyllis Klaus, who are among the founding members of DONA (Doulas Of North America). This is a rare feat, as we believe none of the other doula course creators in the UK can claim to have been mentored by these esteemed pioneers of the doula community. Furthermore, our facilitators are not just instructors; they are doulas who are actively engaged in the field. They bring a treasure trove of real-world experience and are deeply passionate about empowering women and families. The Aspiring Doula Course holds accreditation from FEDANT, an autonomous accreditation entity. Courses that receive FEDANT NCAV or NRSA accreditation have demonstrated a solid structure, encompass core components, and are pertinent to the profession. Additionally, our doula training program holds the distinction of being endorsed by the Complementary Medical Association, Doula Association of Ireland and Doula UK. This multi-faceted recognition speaks to the calibre and relevance of the education we offer.

You might initially think that enrolling in a postnatal doula course would suffice if that's the area you wish to concentrate on. However, it's important to consider that a significant portion of your time will involve discussions with your client about their birth experience. Gaining in-depth knowledge about childbirth, which this course provides, can be incredibly advantageous. Not only will it enhance your understanding, but it will also enable you to offer more informed and effective support to your client. I am of the strong conviction that having a foundation in birth-related knowledge is indispensable for anyone seeking to provide support during the postnatal period.

In the UK, the annual birth count is approximately 700,000 babies, whereas the number of doulas is likely around 1,000. Evaluating the ratio of doulas to newborns, it's evident that there aren't enough doulas available to assist every birthing individual. Doulas residing in major cities such as London, Manchester, and Leeds often have their schedules filled several months ahead for both birth and postnatal services. This indicates a high demand and a potential opportunity for more individuals to enter the doula profession to cater to the needs of birthing families.