Doula UK Approved Courses

The Side by Side Doula Preparation Course is currently facilitated online, with 10 live sessions over a two-week period, or one evening a week for 11 weeks .

Developing Doulas provide Doula UK Approved doula preparation courses for birth and postpartum doulas. We provide group courses both online and in person, together with extensive, self directed learning on our online portal and ongoing support via our community groups and Companionship (mentoring) system.

“I have had the most amazing time on the Developing Doulas course. I definitely think my soul needed this. I can see that this will truly change my life and how I interact with others. I have left this course feeling informed and supported and with a team of women that I can confide in. You are amazing and I feel very fortunate to have met you.”

The Developing Doulas course was born in 2008 out of a passionate desire to provide nurturing, community-based support through the transition to doula work. We are called Developing Doulas because we recognise that this role is one of lifelong learning. When we relish this ongoing development we prevent ego getting in the way of our belief that it is our clients who are the experts.

A wealth of research supports the beneficial effects of doula support and so we are committed to increasing the number of doulas in the world and by that, changing the lives of countless families.

But we also know that many doulas do not continue this work. It can be hard, emotional and lonely. So we strive to provide a safe, brave space for Developing Doulas to grow within a nurturing community. Regular online coffee mornings, Companionship (our in-house mentoring system) and dedicated, private online spaces to build friendships and collaborations providing you with the knowledge that there is always someone there to support you.

Developing Doulas was founded by Maddie McMahon – experienced doula, doula mentor, breastfeeding counsellor and author of ‘Why Doulas Matter’ and ‘Why Mothering Matters’ With a background in teaching and then two decades of doula experience, Maddie has written a course and gathered together a team of facilitators that share her ethos and who are all extremely experienced doulas. We have a proven track record helping hundreds of people follow their dream to become a doula.

• Five full days or the online courses with shorter zoom sessions spread over a month
• Three full days if you choose our Specialist Postpartum Doula Course
• A loving, informal atmosphere designed to help you ‘find the doula within’ in a small, intimate group of maximum 12 participants
• Courses round the UK facilitated by experienced doulas and Breastfeeding Counsellors
• All course participants get lifetime access to our substantial online course manual consisting of written materials, videos and audio recordings
• Practical skills for birth and postpartum doulas – learning to ‘mother the mother’ by listening, holding the space and supporting informed decision-making
• Time to debrief and explore your own experiences, share and give and receive support within the group
• Explore the role of the doula and what it means to you, your family and the wider community
• Support and information on setting up and getting going as a doula.
• One to one sessions at the end of the course to reflect on the course and your future as a doula
• A set of guiding principles - our '7Cs' to support you on your journey
• Extend your learning and personal growth and benefit your community with the post-course project and our varied opportunities for additional learning.
• Certificate of completion
• Opportunities for ongoing learning and development of knowledge and skills through Developing Doulas workshops and work-from-home courses
• Cut price business, marketing and website support available to DD members and discounted access to our Doulavation course which widens and deepens the learning from your preparation course
• Our own Patreon platform where we can gather away from the noise of social media to share information, learn and develop our skills
• The Pam Lacey Award is for women who aspire to support breastfeeding mothers in their community. This awards 15% off the course fees.
• If you come from a marginalised group and wish to become a doula to support your community and need help to finance the course, please do talk to us.
• Payment in instalments welcome.
• Book a call to ask questions: developingdoulas.co.uk/book-call

Nurturing Birth is one of the UK’s most respected doula training organisations, having trained over 3,000 doulas since 2005. Guided by the values of compassion, respect, and community, we provide not just a strong foundation for aspiring doulas but also ongoing support long after training is complete. Our carefully selected facilitators and mentors are at the heart of our supportive community

The Course

The Nurturing Birth Doula Course offers an immersive journey that invites you to explore the doula role, uncover your unique approach, and design the way you want to support families on their journey. 

We run our in-person courses at a variety of locations across the UK, including major cities and regional hubs. If you’re interested in having a course near you, please let us know! We regularly review locations and are happy to consider new venues based on demand. 

Most courses run across 4 days, but for greater flexibility we occasionally offer weekend and evening options. Our online courses are run on zoom.

During the course, we’ll introduce you to the role of a doula, covering all aspects of support throughout the perinatal period. We place a strong emphasis on the practical side of launching and running a successful doula business, including setting yourself up, finding clients, networking, marketing, and much more. We also explore key elements like setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, and maintaining professionalism. Our goal is to help you create a sustainable, ethical business from the start.

The Certification

Alongside the course, all our doulas gain access to an online portal, where you'll find pre- and post-course modules to complete as part of the certification process. You’ll also have three mentoring sessions with an experienced doula-mentor of your choice, providing personalised guidance. We offer plenty of support throughout, with a dedicated coursework assessor available for feedback and assistance on all modules. While the certification process typically takes up to 3 months to complete, we are here to support you if you need more time.

What is Included

• A 4-day immersive course (in person or online) or 5 evenings (online)
• Three personalised mentoring sessions (60-90 mins) via zoom
• Optional on-going mentoring at a discounted rate
• Access to our private Nurturing Birth doulas Facebook group
• Invitation to join the weekly “Virtual Cuppa” zoom for ongoing support
• Use of the Nurturing Birth Doula logos for use on websites, printing etc
• A comprehensive manual of evidence-based research and information 
• Access to our online resource board full of book, podcast, website links and more
• A listing on the international Nurturing Birth Directory first year free
• Flexible payment plans available
• Discount for website templates from Birth Your Business

Mentoring

Mentoring is at the heart of everything we offer and our vision is that all doulas be mentored for the duration of their doula journey so that their practice is healthy and sustainable. Every course includes 3 mentoring sessions, beyond that you are encouraged (but not required) to weave mentoring into your doula practice in a way which supports you best. 

The Virtual Cuppa

The weekly virtual cuppa call is so much more than just a casual chat over Zoom—it’s a powerful, supportive space for doulas at every stage of their journey. These weekly sessions bring doulas together with course facilitators and mentors in a shared, welcoming environment where you can connect, reflect, receive guidance, and find the support you need. It’s an invaluable space for personal growth, community-building, and continuous learning, where everyone’s voice is heard and supported.

Our Ethos

At Nurturing Birth, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and respectful community where everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or background—is welcomed and supported in their doula journey. We value different learning styles and strive to provide accessible, culturally sensitive training that empowers individuals to become compassionate, skilled doulas. Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in our curriculum, interactions, and ongoing efforts to create a safe, affirming, and equitable space for all. If you find yourself in financial difficulty, please talk to us to see how me might be able to support you.

Chat with us

Book a free and casual 30 min zoom chat here to see if we're the right fit for you.

A Doula Course That Goes Back to the Roots of Birth & Postnatal Support

Welcome to the land of confusion! 

There are so many doula courses out there—how do you know which one is right for you?

At The BirthBliss Academy, we strip away the noise and take you back to the essence of being a doula. This isn’t about learning a script or following a formula. It’s about stepping into the timeless role of women supporting women—during pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks of motherhood.

Whether you’re drawn to antenatal support, birth work, postnatal care, or night-time doula support, this course will help you discover the kind of doula you’re meant to be.

Why Choose The BirthBliss Doula Academy?

✨ Rooted in Tradition, Adapted for Today
Doulas aren’t a new concept—women have always supported each other through birth and the postpartum period. This course helps you tap into that instinctive, grounded support while equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to work as a modern doula.

✨ A Course That’s About ‘Being’ a Doula, Not Just Doing the Work
We don’t just teach you what a doula does—we help you discover the essence of a doula. It’s about presence, trust, and holding space. You’ll gain skills, yes, but more importantly, you’ll develop the confidence to navigate birth dynamics, support new mothers, and provide empowering care.

 ✨ Antenatal, Birth, Postnatal & Night-time Doula Support
Choose your path—or embrace them all! Our course covers: 

✔️ Antenatal Doula Support – Helping women and couples prepare for birth, process previous experiences, explore their options, and gain confidence in their choices.
✔️ Birth Doula Support – Understanding the physiology of birth, offering emotional and practical support, advocacy, and working within the maternity system.
✔️ Postnatal Doula Support – Helping families adjust, supporting newborn care, maternal well-being, emotional recovery, feeding, and sleep.
✔️ Night-time Doula Support – Providing overnight support so parents can rest, offering gentle newborn care, and easing the transition into parenthood. 

✨ Flexible Learning That Fits Your Life
Choose from:

• A transformative 4-day in-person course
• A fully online, self-paced option

💻 PLUS: Optional Regular Doula Days via Zoom
For those on the self-paced online course, we offer optional Doula Days throughout the year. These virtual meetups are a chance to spend a morning together, ask questions, connect with other doulas, and deepen your learning. 

✨ The Course is Just the Beginning
Training as a doula is a journey—one that doesn’t end when the course finishes. What really matters is the support you receive afterward. That’s why we provide: 

✔️ A private online community for BirthBliss doulas
✔️ Live monthly support sessions
✔️ Business resources to help you start your business
✔️ An optional accreditation mentoring pathway to guide you through your first clients

✨ Six Months Free Listing on The Doula Directory
Get connected with potential clients and start your doula journey with confidence.

✨ Plus, you’ll receive your own professional ID card with a QR code linked to your Doula Directory profile and a lanyard—so you can proudly represent yourself as a trained BirthBliss doula.

Learn from Kicki Hansard, a Leader in Doula Education

The BirthBliss Academy was founded by Kicki Hansard, a Doula UK founding member, author, and long-time advocate for women-centred birth support. With over 20 years of experience and more than 1,000 doulas trained, Kicki’s approach is about guiding you to trust yourself, understand birth deeply, and step into this role with clarity and confidence. Kicki has had the rare opportunity to train with and learn directly from Penny Simkin and Phyllis Klaus, the pioneers of the modern doula movement. Their work has shaped the way doulas support women today, and Kicki brings this rich lineage of knowledge into every aspect of the BirthBliss Academy training.

Is This Course Right for You?

If you feel drawn to supporting women in birth as a steady, knowledgeable, and compassionate presence then this course will give you the tools and confidence to begin your journey.

💜 Ready to get started? Enrol today and step into the work you were meant to do. 

📰 We have blog with helpful articles!

🎙️  Listen to The Doula Dispensary Podcast!

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