Doula Course
Frequently Asked Questions
Ah, you're curious about our BirthBliss Doula Academy Foundation Course, aren't you? Brilliant!
We've gathered some of the most commonly asked questions to give you a quick lowdown. But hey, if you've got a query that's not covered here, don't hesitate to drop us an email. We're all ears!
Frequently Asked Questions
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, informational, and physical support to families during pregnancy, birth, and the early postnatal period. Unlike midwives or doctors, doulas are not medically trained; their role is to walk alongside their clients, helping them feel empowered, informed, and supported. Doulas offer a continuous presence during labour, help with birth preparation, and may also support families after the baby arrives.
To become a doula in the UK, you typically complete a recognised doula training course, like the ones we offer at The BirthBliss Academy. There are no legal requirements or mandatory qualifications, but high-quality training is essential to ensure you can offer safe, confident support.
Many new doulas also join mentoring or accreditation programmes to gain practical experience and build a strong foundation.
In the UK, doulas are not regulated by law, so formal qualifications are not legally required. However, completing an accredited doula training course will give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to support families well. Most clients expect their doula to be trained, and many organisations and directories (like Doula UK and The Doula Directory) require it.
A birth doula supports a woman and her partner before, during, and immediately after labour. Their role includes birth preparation, emotional reassurance during labour, and helping the woman feel confident, safe, and informed throughout the experience.
A postnatal doula supports the family at home after the baby is born, offering practical help, emotional support, and a calm, non-judgemental presence during the early weeks of parenthood.
Even if you’re planning to work only as a postnatal doula, it’s really valuable to have training in both areas. Many new mothers want to talk about and process their birth experience during the postnatal period, and having a solid understanding of labour and birth can be incredibly helpful in offering the right support.
This depends on the course format. In-person doula courses can be completed in 4 days of intensive training. Our self-paced online course can be completed in as little as 2–4 weeks or spread out over a few months if needed. After training, many doulas continue learning through mentoring or an Accreditation Programme to build real-life experience.
Doula training in the UK typically ranges from £500 to over £2,000, depending on the provider and format.
At The BirthBliss Academy, we offer two flexible training options:
Self-paced online course – £648, or six monthly payments of £108
In-person doula training – £848, with the option to pay over three or six months
Simply contact us to arrange it. Both options include lifetime access to course materials, membership of our private community, and a six-month free listing in The Doula Directory.
Research shows that what makes the biggest difference is having some training, not that the course is long or costly. Even shorter courses prepare doulas to offer the kind of emotional and practical support that is proven to improve outcomes. Studies consistently show that women supported by a doula are more likely to report positive birth experiences, have fewer interventions, and enjoy better breastfeeding outcomes.
It’s also important to note that having a medically trained “doula” does not improve results, because a doula’s role is not clinical. The benefits come from continuous, compassionate presence and advocacy, not from medical expertise.
Yes, and it's one of the most flexible options available. Our online doula training course allows you to learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. You'll still be part of a warm, supportive community through live Zoom sessions, Facebook group access, and other events that help you deepen your learning and feel connected.
Absolutely. Doula work can be deeply fulfilling, allowing you to support families at a transformative time in their lives. Many doulas work flexibly, set their own hours, and grow a career around their lifestyle. While income can vary, many doulas charge £1,000+ per birth support package, and postnatal work offers ongoing opportunities.
Yes, especially if you train with The BirthBliss Academy. Our students are invited to join a supportive community, attend live sessions, and access optional one-to-one coaching through our Accreditation Programme. This structured support helps you grow in confidence and feel fully ready to support your first clients.
When choosing a doula training course, it’s important to look for one that aligns with your values, includes trauma-informed content, and offers ongoing support beyond the classroom. Think about whether you’d prefer to learn in person or online, and check if the course is recognised by organisations such as Doula UK or FEDANT.
It’s also wise to speak to a few different providers and ask questions about their approach, the support they offer, and the community you’d be joining. In the end, go with your gut, finding the right doula course is a lot like finding the right doula: it should feel like the right fit for you.
One essential factor that is sometimes overlooked is who delivers the training. A doula course should be facilitated by experienced doulas, not midwives or other health professionals. This is because doula work is fundamentally different from midwifery. A midwife’s role is clinical, focusing on medical safety and procedures, whereas a doula’s role is about continuous, unconditional emotional and practical support. Only a practising doula can truly teach what it feels like to hold space, to listen without agenda, and to walk alongside a family with no medical responsibility.
Learning directly from doulas ensures you are guided by those who live and breathe the role every day, which is what makes the training authentic and relevant.
It can seem like shadowing an experienced doula would be a helpful way to start out. In reality, it is not how doula work is done. Doulas are self-employed, so another doula has no reason to invite someone to shadow them in their work.
There are also important boundaries to consider. Our work is highly confidential, and birth settings usually limit the number of birth partners to two. Even at home, where families may choose who is present, having extra people can affect how the birth unfolds. Birth physiology shows us that too many observers can interfere with the hormones that support labour and may impact the outcome.
Finally, doula work is deeply personal. The way you support families will be unique to you. Trying to copy another doula’s style could leave you feeling inadequate or confused about what feels right for you.
For these reasons, at The BirthBliss Academy, we believe shadowing is not a good idea. Instead, we focus on helping you build confidence in your own voice and approach, so you can establish your business and support families in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.