Becoming a Doula

If you are interested in becoming a doula, you are not alone.

With over 500 members and a solid reputation as the leading network of doulas in the UK, our numbers and the public’s awareness of the work we do grows steadily each year.

Pregnant women and their partners are increasingly hearing and learning about the benefits of doula support, as are health care professionals and the media. We welcome and embrace women joining our ranks from a diverse range of backgrounds, all of whom have a variety of reasons for being drawn to birth and postnatal support.

However, there is more to consider when thinking of becoming a doula than just which course to take. We feel strongly that women with the desire to support mothers and families at the time of birth should undertake a period of self-examination and reflection in which personal experiences and prejudices are thoroughly debriefed and then put to one side so that each doula enters into her work with a clear mind, heart and motivation.

We recommend that you begin by reading the passage, ‘Journey to Being a Doula’, before proceeding to the other pages in this area. We also suggest that you take part in an ‘Introduction to the Work of a Doula’ workshop to help you consider whether becoming a doula is right for you and which preparation course would be the best fit. Those who attend an Introductory Workshop and subsequently complete a course and become members of Doula UK will be offered a £10 discount on their first year’s membership fees. If you are confident that you are ready to undertake a course, you will find a list of those approved by Doula UK below. Courses accepted by Doula UK have been observed and evaluated by experienced doulas and embrace our ethos and core curriculum.

Best wishes as you begin your journey.