How to become a Doula in the UK
We birth confident Doulas
This is for you wonderful souls who feel a calling to walk alongside women, humans and families as they birth their babies. For those of you who want to create safe spaces and offer support as your clients choose where and how to birth. If postpartum is your passion we are here for you too.
We have developed an incredible Doula Training Programme, lead by exceptional Doulas and UK Birth Activists, with long term ongoing business support as you begin your practise.
The level of knowledge and support you get from our program is exceptional. You will leave so confident in your ability to support parents with their antenatal sessions, in birth and early postpartum. It’s a deep dive into Doula life.
We are proud to birth confident Doulas!
We offer modern and nurturing Doula training guided by some of the UK’s leading birth educators!
What does a Doula do?
At The Perinatal Academy we think of Doulas as Birth Companions, who walk alongside expectant parents for much longer than just their labour journey. Doulas offer information, a non judgmental listening ear, practical, physical and emotional support in pregnancy, birth and the newborn days.
Some people think that Doulas are only for the super rich, or for parents who only want to free birth, the truth is there is a Doula that would suit every family and being one can have the most positive effect on a families experience, and your own fulfilment!
Being a Doula is a calling and heart led work, usually a case of when not if. You have probably have already been caring, advocating and nurturing people in one way or another throughout your life. You may have had a life experience that set you on this path, but if the desire is in you you are well on your way to fulfilling it.
For more information about what your life as a Doula could look like for you and your family, earning potential, first steps and more, get a copy of our brochure below
We have accreditation from FEDANT. FEDANT is the Federation of Antenatal Educators, a UK-based regulatory body for antenatal educators, breastfeeding counselors, and doulas.
Our Doula Pathways
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Foundation Live Doula Training - Live online learning with an in person practical day
The complete pathway perfect for you if you are just starting your journey to supporting births or returning after a long pause. This pathway is our most in-depth training, all live online, covering everything from the basics of Doula support to advanced skills for helping families during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. It’s a complete package, perfect for building confidence, knowledge, and the practical skills you’ll need to support families.
Welcome Circle
Physiology of Birth
The Birth Environment
Medicalisation of Birth
Birth Rights and Consent with Emma Ashworth
Supporting All Births - with Mars Lord
LGBTQIA + Inclusivity Training
Being with Families in Birth
Being with Families Postpartum
Doula PracticalitiesJoin us in person for:
Doula Practical Day (optional)
Plus ongoing Mentorship in The Perinatal Collective
£1350
Payment Plans Available
*No formal qualifications needed just an open heart, listening ears and a passion to support ALL births without judgement -
Foundation Mixed Training - Self paced learning, live online sessions and an in person practical day
This offers the same content as our fully live course but you have access to all of the following recorded modules for you to lean into at your own pace:
Physiology of Birth
The Birth Environment
Medicalisation of Birth
Preparing for PostpartumThen you join us LIVE online for:
Doula Beginnings
Being with Families in Birth
Being with Families Postpartum
Doula PracticalitiesBirth Rights and Consent with Emma Ashworth
Supporting All Births - with Mars Lord
LGBTQIA + Inclusivity Training
Join us in person for:
Doula Practical Day (optional)
Plus ongoing Mentorship in The Perinatal Collective
£1150
Payment Plans Available
*No formal qualifications needed just an open heart, listening ears and a passion to support ALL births without judgement -
Focus Doula Training - Live online learning with an in person practical day
For qualified Antenatal Teachers, Hypnobirthing Instructors, Midwives & Student Midwives who are now looking to work independently.
You’ve already got an amazing foundation of knowledge, so this training builds on what you know. You’ll focus on learning the hands-on care that Doulas provide, helping families during pregnancy, labour, birth, and beyond.
Welcome Circle
Being with Families in Birth
Being with Families Postpartum
Doula PracticalitiesJoin us in person for:
Doula Practical Day (optional)
Plus ongoing Mentorship in The Perinatal CollectiveAccess to modules covering:
Birth Rights and Consent with Emma Ashworth
Supporting All Births with Mars Lord
LGBTQIA + Inclusivity Training
£1050
Payment Plans Available
*We will need to see your accreditation
Which Doula pathway feels right for you?
Foundation Pathway - all live
If you are new to the birth world and want to get really deep into the content, love getting involved and know you will want to ask lots of questions then this pathway would be perfect for you. Every single session is live online (with an optional in person practical day) so you can engage with our expert guides and mentors and other students in real time as you study. All of our sessions are recorded, so if you do need to miss a date or two because of sickness/other commitments you won’t miss any content.
Foundation Pathway - some self paced
If you are new to the birth world but know you will struggle attending all the dates live then this course is for you. We give you access to all the antenatal modules for you to learn at your own pace, and then you join the course live for the Doula sessions. It’s a fantastic hybrid way of learning, with a live WhatsApp group so as you are watching you can always speak to one of us as you go with any questions.
Focus Pathway - all live
This is for you if you have an antenatal qualification and you are ready to dive into the Doula specifics!
This is all live online with access to vital modules such as Cultural Safety, supporting Queer Birth and Consent and Advocacy.
Why the world needs more Doulas
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As a Doula, you will be a birth companion, you can offer emotional, practical and physical support to a mother, birthing person and their family as they need it. A Doula is one of the oldest most nurturing professions we know of!
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We don’t sugar coat the status of our maternity system. It’s in crisis. Inductions, interventions and abdominal births continuously on the rise, we are moving further and further from physiology being the norm. Doulas support families so they are able to make their own choices about their birthing experience, to help them achieve what is right for them and not the system.
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Look at the stats! We have evidence to show that Doulas can reduce risk of Caesarean birth, instrumental birth, painkillers or epidural during birth, reduce induction of labour and make labour shorter. They can also increase the likelihood of breastfeeding successfully! HUGE!
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We have heard many nickname for Doulas including ‘Superheros, Angels and Sisters’ We love these and totally get it. A Doula can be life changing for a family, and the support can contribute to deep healing. Doula’s make a difference to parents, their family and the community they serve in. It’s a ripple effect and so needed in our society.
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Doulas hold & nurture parents. Parents need and deserve to be held. Doula’s can also hold & nurture babies, when their parents need them too.
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Doulas offer continuity of care that we know is proven to improve outcomes for parents and that we lack in the UK. A Doula can encourage parents to use their voice and be heard. The demand for Doulas is growing as we face a maternity system in crisis, where many families need support to navigate a system which often feels against them