How to become a Postnatal Doula
One of our educators Frances at a postnatal visit
If you've ever felt drawn to supporting new families but being on-call for births isn’t right for you, now or always, becoming a postnatal doula might be exactly what you're looking for. It's one of the most fulfilling ways to make a genuine difference in those precious early weeks when families need support the most. It’s incredible work honestly for so many reasons!
Why Postnatal Doula Work Might Be Perfect for You
Supporting births isn’t right for everyone for so many reasons, maybe you have young children at home and can't commit to being on-call. Maybe you're caring for elderly parents, or perhaps you want more predictable hours. Ir perhaps you just don’t feel the calling! All of these are perfectly valid reasons to explore postnatal support instead.
What I love about postnatal doula work is that it gives you all the meaningful connection and support with much more flexibility. You're there when parents are in those early days, tired, adjusting, trying to figure out their new normal. And that's when families often need the most practical and emotional support.
For many families having a postnatal Doula is life changing, and they don’t even realise it. How different it could have been without one!
What Does a Postnatal Doula Actually Do?
The role is wonderfully varied, which is part of what makes it so rewarding. One morning you might be helping a parents with feeding, the next day you could be preparing a nourishing meal while parents get some much needed rest, being an extra pair of hands whilst they recover from their caesarean birth, being around when their partner has to go back to work.
It is practical support but mainly it is the emotional support that makes such a difference. You're the person who listens without judgment when they share their worries. You're there to reassure them that feeling overwhelmed is completely normal, not a sign they're doing anything wrong.
The flexibility is brilliant too. You choose your hours, decide how many families to support, and build something that works around your life. You can have months where you work more than others, not work in school holidays, you decide!
Can I actually make a living being a Postnatal Doula?
Umm yes! You absolutely can! Postnatal doulas typically charge £20-45 per hour, and many offer packages for ongoing support. The demand is growing as more families recognise that the fourth trimester deserves just as much support as pregnancy and birth.
You could work independently, partner with birth doulas who focus purely on birth, or develop your own specialisms like feeding support or sleep guidance. There are so many possibilities for building a practice that works for you.
Our Postnatal Doula Guide Atosa on a postnatal visit
Training to Become a Postnatal Doula - Our Approach
We prepare you for the beautiful, sometimes challenging reality of supporting families. We cover:
Understanding what families experience in those early weeks
Practical newborn care that goes beyond the basics
Supporting feeding in all its forms from an IBCLC Lactation consultant
Recognising when parents might need additional support
Cultural safety and inclusive practice with Mars Lord
The business side - because this can absolutely be profitable work (we give you marketing training, Doula documents - so much honestly!)
You'll learn how to support families through feeding challenges, sleep deprivation, and those moments when everything feels overwhelming. We cover both the joys and the challenges, and also how to look after yourself as you support others.
Why Choose The Perinatal Academy for Your Training?
When you're looking at how to become a postnatal doula UK, you want training that actually prepares you for success. Our FEDANT-accredited program does exactly that, plus you get ongoing support through our Perinatal Collective community.
You're not just getting a certificate and being left to figure it out alone. You're joining a supportive network of people who understand this work. We offer business templates, ongoing mentoring, and regular workshops because your learning continues long after the course ends.
Our training is delivered online with live sessions, so you can learn from anywhere in the UK while still getting that personal connection. And if you've got little ones at home, they're absolutely welcome during training sessions! We've had students breastfeeding, bouncing babies, or dealing with toddlers who decide to join in - it's all part of life and we embrace it. You then come together for a day in person where you get hands on with some practise, and begin to build your postnatal offerings.
Is postnatal work right for you?
If you're wondering how to become a postnatal doula, you're probably already feeling that pull towards supporting families. Maybe you've experienced your own postnatal challenges and want to help others navigate theirs. Maybe you love the idea of being there for families but need something more predictable than birth work.
The need for skilled, compassionate postnatal doulas has never been greater. Families are often trying to figure everything out alone, and they desperately need the kind of support you could provide. When you become a postnatal doula, you're filling a genuine gap in support for new families.
This is work you can feel proud of, both for the difference you make to families, in your community and the income you can earn. This work ripples out in the most positive way!
Come and talk to us!
If this resonates with you, I'd love to chat about whether our postnatal doula training feels right for you. If you're drawn to this work, families genuinely need what you have to offer. The question isn't whether you're qualified enough - it's whether you're ready to learn the skills to support families brilliantly.