Why choose our Doula Program?
The Perinatal Academy Doula program is unique.
It’s a comprehensive mix of on going live training, personal study and development.
Our content is deep and modern, combining the traditional nurturing practises alongside the realities of birthing in our modern maternity system.
Our training team is EXCEPTIONAL. We are a team of experienced, practising birth workers that includes FEDANT-accredited Antenatal Educators, Doulas, Hypnobirthing Instructors, Midwives, IBCLC Lactation Consultants, and more, plus leading voices for Birthrights and the LGBTQ+ community, as well as Perinatal Mental Health and Trauma specialists.
This is the expert network you have access to, guiding you on your Doula journey!
Our Doula program is friendly, warm and welcoming, with ample support and motivation. We are a community so you never feel like you are going it alone, which is priceless.
You will be inspired and supported with practical business set up and plans. There is ongoing learning and guidance where you can pick exactly what YOU need for your new venture, depending on where your strengths lie and where you might need extra support.
We are with you constantly whilst you do the work. This is so important!
See below for what our Doula Program includes…
Our Doula program…
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Birth Reflections
Inner Work
Birth debriefing skills
What does a Doula do?
Active Listening
Being not Doing
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Full Physiology & Biomechanics of Birth - 4 hours
The Birth Environment, Labour Tool Kit, Home Birth & Hypnobirthing Principles - 2 hours
Medicalisation of Birth and how we’ve got here, Induction, Pain Relief, Assisted Delivery, Abdominal Birth - 2.5 hours
Birth Rights and Consent with Emma Ashworth- 3 hours
Cultural Safety with Mars Lord - 3 hours
Inclusivity with The Queer Birth Club - 3 hours
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Giving clients information and advocacy (antenatally and in birth)
Supporting remotely in early labour
Equipping your clients to know how to support themselves in early labour
Knowing when to go to support your client
Instincts and emotional support: knowing what is needed - being not doing
Physical support & pain management
Supporting home birth practicalities
When to go to hospital / call the midwives
Arriving at hospital / triage
Doula role vs midwife
Working within the system
Making the most of labour ward environment
Supporting epidurals
Supporting planned and unplanned caesarean birth
Options with placenta - and immediate postpartum
NICU/SCBU
Working out of the system - free birth
Witnessing actual or risk of obstetric violence
When the birth doesn’t go to plan
Boundaries & managing difficulties
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What a postnatal journey with a family might look like
Practical support: what jobs you can help with
Support for mother / birthing parent: holding space, sharing of experiences
Safe sleep - how to support with information but without judgment
Looking after baby: practical help and info
Breastfeeding support
Bottle feeding (making up bottles / sterilising etc)
Winding techniques
Soothing
Baby wearing
Boundaries
When to signpost to other professionals
Postnatal mental health
Deep dive into Trauma informed support for your families, and for you
Crisis Management
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The client journey from enquiry to saying goodbye to a family
Managing enquiries
Contracts
Antenatal sessions
Managing on call life
Boundaries
Working with a back up doula
Shared care
Insurance
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Hands on Practise!
Setting up & protecting a birthing space to feel private, dark and safe
Using rebozo techniques
Counter-pressure massage against the sacrum
Supporting with use of a TENS machine
Acupressure using a comb
Simple massage techniques with or without aromatherapy oils
Support with breathing and relaxation of jaw/shoulders
Support with changing positions/biomechanics moves
Using peanut/birthing balls
Personal self care techniques
Lunch & social time
Goodie Bag
*Additional cost of £145, £55 if booked with the course. Locations vary between South London/Canterbury. This content will be available in recordings to keep if you don't attend in person.
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Business & Marketing Live Masterclass, setting up and launching your Doula Business
Membership to The Perinatal Collective for ongoing learning, events, and monthly group mentorship
Full Reading List
Study Pack
Doula workbook
Doula Handbook
Signposting
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Online only: £1,395
In person Doula Day: £145
Booked together: £1,450
This investment includes ongoing membership to The Perinatal Collective & monthly group mentorship (Other mentorship options are available)