HOW TO BECOME A DOULA IN THE UK
WE BIRTH CONFIDENT DOULAS!
You bring the heart, we hone the skills
Doula work is amazing.
It’s transformational!
For you and the families you support
If you want to create safe, respectful spaces where parents feel held, seen, and able to make their own choices, wherever and however they birth then you’re in the right place!
Our Doula training has been created by experienced, passionate Doulas and UK birth activists who care deeply about doing this work well and supporting you to do it your way. From the very beginning, we’ve built this course around the belief that Doula work changes lives and that you don’t need to do it alone, and that you can build a successful sustainable career doing this work, this is important to us! Doula work is skilled, fulfilling work, and you deserved to be paid well for the work you do. We promise you you can make a living doing something you love!
We believe you’ve got the heart of a Doula. That’s why you are here! Our job is to help you build the skills, confidence and knowledge to back that up. You’ll learn how to offer practical, emotional and informational support through pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum days. But more than that, you’ll get the space to figure out what kind of Doula you want to be because we are all different, and that is our strength.
You’ll be mentored through your first birth, and beyond, we walk alongside you as you take your first steps into Doula work, so even though you are in charge of your hours, your work and your boundaries you never feel like you are going alone! You’ll be a part of The Perinatal Collective, our tight-knit, big-hearted community of birth workers. It’s a space for learning, connection, deep dives, and shared wisdom. A place where you can bring your questions, celebrate your wins, it’s your new Doula family!
Our content is deep, inclusive, evidence-based and genuinely transformational.
We’re here to birth confident, connected Doulas. And we’d love to welcome you in!
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! A Doula belongs in all birth spaces, and we believe they are needed in medical settings now more than ever.
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.
You don’t need to fit a certain mould to be a Doula. It’s ok if you don’t meditate, don’t have children or happily accepted interventions in your own birth. What matters is you care for parents, you want to make a difference and you are fiercely passionate about supporting ALL families to be able to make informed choices about their own journeys. You do kind of have to be obsessed with birth and all it brings though, that helps!
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
What Doula course is right for you?
Birth & Postnatal
This option gives you flexible online learning you can fit around real life, plus an in person day in London to practise, connect, and feel it all click into place!
Online & one day together in London
Birth & Postnatal - 4 day immersive
This is the deep dive, four days together where you can step out of everyday life and fully immerse yourself in doula work. It’s ideal if you want an intensive, in person experience and you’re ready to commit to a focused, transformational week.
In person - choose from Manchester or London
Online & one day together in LondonPostnatal only
This option gives you flexible online learning you can fit around real life, plus an in person day in London to practise, connect and build your postnatal business
Our Doula training gives you
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Our Doula course combines over 30 hours of live, interactive teaching with a flexible structure that fits around real life.
It’s inclusive, evidence-based, and rooted in advocacy and real-world support, not just theory.
You'll get space to ask questions, dig into what this work really looks like, and build your Doula foundations that will last.
You can choose our hybrid course, online over 6 weeks with one day in person or our 4 day immersive courses, in person currently held in Manchester and London. -
Which includes:
Foundation work - online self paced:
Physiology of Birth
The Birth Environment
Medicalisation of Birth
The Glorious Placenta
Free Birth
Caesarean Birth
and so so much more
Live training:
Doula Beginnings
Being with Families in Birth
Being with Families Postpartum
Doula Practicalities
Birthing your BusinessJoin us in person for:
Doula Connection and hands on practise (currently in North London)PLUS: Live modules covering:
Birth Rights and Consent with Emma Ashworth
Supporting All Births with Mars Lord
LGBTQIA + Inclusivity Training -
We learn online and in person, which our Doulas tell us is idea to get the best out of both worlds.
Online learning is so flexible, but then we get together in person, which enriches the whole experience without added a lot more to the investment for hotel stays and travel.
Whichever course you choose as soon as you sign up you get access to self paced study so you can get stuck in immediately and immerse yourself in birth and all all it brings -
Our FEDANT accredited Doula Course means you will be listed on the national register of Doulas in the UK so expectant parents can search for you when looking for Doulas in their area.
It also means you can be confident our training has met the FEDANT standard
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Mentoring and guidance from experienced Doulas and some of the leading voices in the UK birth industry! Our team is exceptional, and every one of us is a practising birth professional supporting parents day in and day out in our community.
Meet us here -
When you train as a Doula with us, you’re not doing it alone.
Birthing your Business in included in our live sessions together, plus you have access to The Business Course a step by step guide on how to set up and grow your birth business.
You become part of The Perinatal Collective our supportive, welcoming community of birth workers (included in your training for 12 months, with a small monthly fee if you want to stay on after that).It genuinely feels like a family. You’ll get access to ongoing workshops, mentoring, real-life support, and a place to ask all the questions that come up once you’re actually out there supporting families, because that’s when the real learning begins.
There’s also a regular stream of business inspiration, we give you a pack of Doula contract templates and more, content ideas, and practical tools to help you launch, grow, and sustain your Doula work in a way that fits your life. This part is priceless honestly!
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Feeling wobbly before your first ever birth? Totally normal and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you want to run through any what-ifs, get a confidence boost, or just need someone to say “you’ve got this,” we’re here. And when that first client books in? You’d better believe we’re cheering right alongside you!
Self-employed life can feel a bit lonely sometimes, but being part of The Perinatal Collective means you’re never doing it solo. You’ve got us behind you who get it, to cheer you on, pick you up, and remind you that you’re part of something genuinely special!
Online & In person: £1,395
4 days immersive in person: £1,495
Payment plans available
UPCOMING DOULA COURSES
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Mon 2nd Feb: 7 - 9.30pm - Doula Beginnings
Sat 7th Feb: 10 -5pm - Being with Families in Birth
Sat 14th Feb: 10-5pm - Being with Families Postpartum
Thur 26th Feb: 7-9.30pm - Doula Practicalities
Fri 6th Mar: 10:30 - 5pm - In Person Doula Day
This is a chance to get hands on with the more practical elements of being a Doula, meet other Doulas, more discussions and some delicious food and snacks - held in North London 1 min walk from Wood Green Tube Station (Piccadilly Line 14 mins from Kings Cross Station)
Tues 31st March 7-9.30pm: Birthing your Doula Business
You will also receive Foundation work - self paced online modules immediately:
Physiology of Birth
The Birth Environment
History of Medicine in Birth
Medicalisation of Birth
Caesarean Birth
Freebirth
The Glorious Placenta and more!
Core live workshops - Various dates throughout the year
Cultural Safety with Mars Lord
Birth Rights, Consent and Advocacy with Emma Ashworth
Supporting ALL Families - Inclusion & Neurodiverse Birth
Also: Includes membership to The Perinatal Collective for 12 months
The Perinatal Collective is a dedicated community offering ongoing mentoring, business & marketing training to help you find Doula clients and run your birth business. Access to the core training team, knowledge, information and business & marketing support. Includes monthly workshops, live interviews with leading voices in the birth world, trainer Q&A's, business content ideas and much more! -
Mon 9th March: 7-9.30pm - The Role of a Postnatal Doula - Online
Sat 14th March: 9.30 - 1.30pm - Being with Families Postpartum - Online
Sat 21st March: 9.30 - 1.30pm - Bring with Families Postpartum - Online
Fri 27th March: 10:30 - 5pm - Nurturing Postpartum & Birthing your Business - In Person
This is a chance to get hands on with the more practical elements of being a Postnatal Doula, meet other Doulas, more discussions and some delicious foods and treats - held in North London 1 min walk from Wood Green Tube Station (Piccadilly Line 14 mins from Kings Cross Station) This day is optional.
Tues 31st March 7-9.30pm: Birthing your Doula Business
Immediate self paced study covering:
Birth Physiology
The Glorious Placenta
The Golden Hours
Caesarean Birth & Recovery
Newborn Care & Development
Preparing Parents for Feeding
Perinatal Mental Health and more!
Access to live modules covering:
Supporting All Births with Mars Lord
LGBTQIA + Inclusivity Training
Also: Membership to The Perinatal Collective for min 12 months:
Mentorship through your first postnatal visit and beyond
Complete support with your Doula Business Launch & Growth
Full set of Doula documents to use in your business
Plus extra monthly workshops, drop ins and so much more… -
Mon 11th May: 10am - 4.30pm - Doula Beginnings & The Role of the Doula
Tue 12th May: 10am - 4.30pm - Being with Families in Birth
Wed 13th May: 10am - 4.30pm - Being with Families Postpartum
Thurs 14th May: 10am - 2pm - Birthing your Doula Business
You will also receive Foundation work - self paced online modules immediately:
Physiology of Birth
The Birth Environment
History of Medicine in Birth
Medicalisation of Birth
Caesarean Birth
Freebirth
The Glorious Placenta and more!
Core live workshops - Various dates throughout the year
Cultural Safety with Mars Lord
Birth Rights, Consent and Advocacy with Emma Ashworth
Supporting ALL Families - Inclusion & Neurodiverse Birth
Also: Includes membership to The Perinatal Collective for 12 months
The Perinatal Collective is a dedicated community offering ongoing mentoring, business & marketing training to help you find Doula clients and run your birth business. Access to the core training team, knowledge, information and business & marketing support. Includes monthly workshops, live interviews with leading voices in the birth world, trainer Q&A's, business content ideas and much more! -
Mon 22nd June: 7- 9.30pm - Doula Beginnings
Sat 27th June 10 -5pm - Being with Families in Birth
Sat 4th July: 10-5pm - Being with Families Postpartum
Fri 10th July: 10:30 - 5pm - In Person Doula Day
This is a chance to get hands on with the more practical elements of being a Doula, meet other Doulas, more discussions and some delicious food and snacks - held in North London 1 min walk from Wood Green Tube Station (Piccadilly Line 14 mins from Kings Cross Station)
Thur 16th July: 7-9.30pm - Doula Practicalities
Wed 22nd July: 7-9.30pm - Birthing your Doula BusinessYou will also receive Foundation work - self paced online modules immediately:
Physiology of Birth
The Birth Environment
History of Medicine in Birth
Medicalisation of Birth
Caesarean Birth
Freebirth
The Glorious Placenta and more!
Core live workshops - Various dates throughout the year
Cultural Safety with Mars Lord
Birth Rights, Consent and Advocacy with Emma Ashworth
Supporting ALL Families - Inclusion & Neurodiverse Birth
Also: Includes membership to The Perinatal Collective for 12 months
The Perinatal Collective is a dedicated community offering ongoing mentoring, business & marketing training to help you find Doula clients and run your birth business. Access to the core training team, knowledge, information and business & marketing support. Includes monthly workshops, live interviews with leading voices in the birth world, trainer Q&A's, business content ideas and much more! -
DATES COMING VERY SOON
You will also receive Foundation work - self paced online modules immediately:
Physiology of Birth
The Birth Environment
History of Medicine in Birth
Medicalisation of Birth
Caesarean Birth
Freebirth
The Glorious Placenta and more!
Core live workshops - Various dates throughout the year
Cultural Safety with Mars Lord
Birth Rights, Consent and Advocacy with Emma Ashworth
Supporting ALL Families - Inclusion & Neurodiverse Birth
Also: Includes membership to The Perinatal Collective for 12 months
The Perinatal Collective is a dedicated community offering ongoing mentoring, business & marketing training to help you find Doula clients and run your birth business. Access to the core training team, knowledge, information and business & marketing support. Includes monthly workshops, live interviews with leading voices in the birth world, trainer Q&A's, business content ideas and much more! -
DATE COMING VERY SOON!
You will also receive Foundation work - self paced online modules immediately:
Physiology of Birth
The Birth Environment
History of Medicine in Birth
Medicalisation of Birth
Caesarean Birth
Freebirth
The Glorious Placenta and more!
Core live workshops - Various dates throughout the year
Cultural Safety with Mars Lord
Birth Rights, Consent and Advocacy with Emma Ashworth
Supporting ALL Families - Inclusion & Neurodiverse Birth
Also: Includes membership to The Perinatal Collective for 12 months
The Perinatal Collective is a dedicated community offering ongoing mentoring, business & marketing training to help you find Doula clients and run your birth business. Access to the core training team, knowledge, information and business & marketing support. Includes monthly workshops, live interviews with leading voices in the birth world, trainer Q&A's, business content ideas and much more!
Our training is for you if…
You want to support pregnant people and new families in a way that feels respectful, calm, and genuinely helpful
You care about advocacy, consent, and choice, whatever kind of birth someone has
You want training that’s inclusive and evidence based, not fear based or one size fits all
You want to learn from practising doulas and birth professionals who are doing this work day to day
You need a course that fits around real life, with flexible online learning plus in person options
You don’t just want information, you want to feel confident supporting families in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum
You want to be part of an ongoing community and have ongoing support as you find your feet
And we won’t be right for you if…
You’re looking for a quick certificate with no depth, mentoring, or community
You want a single “right way” to doula, or you’re not open to supporting families whose choices look different to yours
You’re not interested in learning about birth rights, consent, inclusion, and cultural safety as part of your foundation
You want to qualify and disappear, without reflection, feedback, or ongoing development
Grab one of our info packs, or book a call so you can explore what our training is like and whether it is the right fit for you.
We have accreditation from FEDANT a UK-based regulatory body for antenatal educators, breastfeeding counselors, and doulas.
What this means for you is you can be satisfied that our course content is of a really high standard, you will be able to sign up to the national register so parents can search for you, plus you have access to lower insurance rates.
