Doula UK Approved Courses

The Course

The Nurturing Birth Doula Course offers an immersive journey that invites you to explore the doula role, uncover your unique approach, and design the way you want to support families on their journey. 

We run our in-person courses at a variety of locations across the UK, including major cities and regional hubs. If you’re interested in having a course near you, please let us know! We regularly review locations and are happy to consider new venues based on demand. 

Most courses run across 4 days, but for greater flexibility we occasionally offer weekend and evening options. Our online courses are run in small groups on zoom.

During the course, we’ll introduce you to the role of a doula, covering all aspects of support throughout the perinatal period. We place a strong emphasis on the practical side of launching and running a successful doula business, including setting yourself up, finding clients, networking, marketing, and much more. We also explore key elements like setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, and maintaining professionalism. Our goal is to help you create a sustainable, ethical business from the start.

The Certification

Alongside the course, all our doulas gain access to an online portal, where you'll find pre- and post-course modules to complete as part of the certification process. You’ll also have three mentoring sessions with an experienced doula-mentor of your choice, providing personalised guidance. We offer plenty of support throughout, with a dedicated coursework assessor available for feedback and assistance on all modules. While the certification process typically takes up to 3 months to complete, we are here to support you if you need more time.

What is Included

• A 4-day immersive course (in person or online) or 5 evenings (online)
• Three personalised mentoring sessions (60-90 mins) via zoom
• Optional on-going mentoring at a discounted rate
• Access to our private Nurturing Birth doulas Facebook group
• Invitation to join the weekly “Virtual Cuppa” zoom for ongoing support
• Use of the Nurturing Birth Doula logos for use on websites, printing etc
• A comprehensive manual of evidence-based research and information 
• Access to our online resource board full of book, podcast, website links and more
• A listing on the international Nurturing Birth Directory first year free
• Flexible payment plans available
• Discount for website templates from Birth Your Business

Mentoring

Mentoring is at the heart of everything we offer and our vision is that all doulas be mentored for the duration of their doula journey so that their practice is healthy and sustainable. Every course includes 3 mentoring sessions, beyond that you are encouraged (but not required) to weave mentoring into your doula practice in a way which supports you best. 

The Virtual Cuppa

The weekly virtual cuppa call is so much more than just a casual chat over Zoom—it’s a powerful, supportive space for doulas at every stage of their journey. These weekly sessions bring doulas together with course facilitators and mentors in a shared, welcoming environment where you can connect, reflect, receive guidance, and find the support you need. It’s an invaluable space for personal growth, community-building, and continuous learning, where everyone’s voice is heard and supported.

Our Ethos

At Nurturing Birth, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and respectful community where everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or background—is welcomed and supported in their doula journey. We value different learning styles and strive to provide accessible, culturally sensitive training that empowers individuals to become compassionate, skilled doulas. Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in our curriculum, interactions, and ongoing efforts to create a safe, affirming, and equitable space for all. If you find yourself in financial difficulty, please talk to us to see how me might be able to support you.

Chat with us

Book a free and casual 30 min zoom chat here to see if we're the right fit for you.

We specialise in facilitating trainings which offer a balanced blend of traditional wisdom and modern-day practices, using ancient storytelling techniques to share our knowledge. We also offer Trauma Informed Doula Education (TIDE). 

Conscious Birthing provide Doula UK Approved Birthkeeper/Doula preparation courses for birth and postnatal doulas with various course locations across the UK and online.

We specialise in facilitating trainings which offer a balanced blend of traditional wisdom and modern-day practices, using ancient storytelling techniques to share our knowledge. We also offer Trauma Informed Doula Education (TIDE). 

Our courses invite you to begin to reflect on your own arrival Earthside and unpack any  pregnancy, birth and postpartum stories you might have within a safe space, gently held by tutors and co-supported by each individual within the group. This creates an opportunity to both practice the art of support during birth debriefing, an essential doula skill, to begin to lovingly unpack your own story, and to receive the gift of being deeply heard

 Our courses are facilitated by holistic doulas, each with over 30 years experience, with in-person and online options available as set out below.

▪ Five day-in person courses with residential options in the Avalon Birth House in Glastonbury, in Brighton and Ibiza, as well as other locations dotted around the U.K. Groups can contact us directly for courses in your location.

▪ Six week ‘Brilliant Basics’ online training, which includes Birth, Postnatal and TIDE learning.

▪ 13 week ‘Deep Dive’ online doula training, which includes Birth, Postnatal and TIDE learning.

▪ Six week online Full Immersion Postnatal doula training.

All of our courses offer:

▪ Fun, informative and multi-media, within a rich, relaxed learning environment.

▪ Small, confidential groups, creating a mutually supportive and in-depth approach.

 ▪ Highlighting the traditional role of birthkeeper/doula and reflecting on this grassroots path within a modern day context.

▪ Exploring the value of presence in a fast moving world, and developing tools for conscious, active and reflective listening.

▪ A truly holistic approach, including all medical and alternative models: waterbirth, homebirth, birth centre, hospital, assisted, freebirth and early parenting choices all covered, alongside the protocols and expectations within the institution of maternal care, with the focus on informed choice.

▪ Exploring human rights within the childbearing year: looking at ways in which to incorporate our human rights into a birth intentions sheet , to inform your families of these when making their informed choices and discussing ways in which to communicate human rights to midwives and consultants.

▪ Including a session on ‘Tools for Self-Reliance’: a fun, physical and informative journey, learning the practice of some ancient skills from around the world, to facilitate the empowerment of women during this sacred can rite of passage.

▪ Integrated and in-depth inclusion of how to support and empower fathers/partners-to-be and to work alongside all potential companions during labour and birth, as well as considerations for supporting single parents.

▪Guidance on working alongside healthcare professionals with grace whilst retaining clear boundaries as an advocate for your family-to-be. Using Non-violent communication techniques for advocacy. 

▪Looking at loss: a discussion on the many ways in which families may potentially experience loss, such as loss of expectation, loss of earnings, loss of identity as well as  through miscarriage or stillbirth, with the emphasis on how we can best support and signpost.

▪Postnatal focus: learn about breastfeeding, explore the essential need for postpartum care and discuss the notion of a postnatal plan.

▪ Experience a pop-up residential community of Birthworkers-to-be: a unique opportunity to spend time together in an informal setting, allowing for deeper reflection on the role, sharing questions, ideas and skills, alongside your Tutors. An invitation to delve more deeply into this lay tradition, whilst retreating from your everyday life.

▪ Advice and guidance for setting up and ethically marketing your Doula practice, including a step-by-step talk and handout through our own Student Guidance Programme, the Doula UK recognition process and on choosing a Mentor. 

▪ Useful home research, networking and reflective reference pack, with guidance for signposting.

▪ An invitation to join the Conscious Birthing Network and directory and receive ongoing, personal support from one of our Tutors or Mentors.

▪Certificate of attendance upon completion.

▪ Home study post course work pack, with plenty of space to digest and in your own time and with full Tutor support. We invite your coursework to be completed in whatever way works for you, through chatting the questions through on a WhatsApp voice note, making an art piece, or in writing..it’s your choice!

▪ Access to an extensive lending library (when courses held in Glastonbury).

▪ Options for further training. 

Please contact us directly for more information, to hop on a discovery call and to enquire about payment plans.

This preparation course will lay the foundations for you to work competently as a Birth and/or Postnatal doula.  Bringing the knowledge and skills you have now, time will be spent exploring different topics to begin building the foundations for your work as birth and postnatal doula.

This Page is being updated.

Every Birth Matters is now offering a Doula UK approved preparation course over a four days in Birmingham and online courses.

Doula's come from many different walks of life usually because of their birth experiences themselves.  You may have been asked to be someones birth partner and you want to feel more prepared or you may be wanting to change your career.  Some doula's also have experience in other areas such as Hypnobirthing,  Pregnancy yoga or Antenatal education, it doesn't matter what your experiences are as long as you have a desire to want to support and nurture women, pregnant people and their families.

If you are unsure perhaps attending a Doula UK Introductory day might help, or sign up for our free online e-module "Becoming a doula" HERE!

What is a Doula?

​A Doula offers friendship and support to pregnant mums, pregnant people and partners as well as their families throughout their pregnancies. A doula who supports in pregnancy and birth is usually known as a "Birth Doula" a doula who supports after a baby has been born is known as a "Postnatal Doula".  Some doula's will do both and some doula's choose to do one or the other usually because of various commitments you may have.  This course is useful for either role that you are considering.

Doula's are in very privileged position of trust and our role is to empower, listen and support women and pregnant people in their choices, we often support families through the first stages of baby care, bathing, sleeping and breastfeeding,  We are there not to necessarily do, but to just be with.

If this is what you are looking to do and would like to be prepared within your role as a doula or birth partner then this is the course for you.

To read more about doula's click here

​The course is offered using blended learning techniques to give you times for learning, self study and reflection.

What does the course cover? 

The main structure of this course is now 4 full days.  3 days in person/online live workshops and 1 full day e-learning module.

To obtain a certificate you will need to complete the following modules;

1. Pre-course Learning ~ This gives you the opportunity for some reflective practice, and to build on your knowledge and skills with a fully comprehensive assignment that consists of questions that will enhance your learning experience and prepare you for your workshop and post course work. This research task also allows you to practice your research skills. Prior to the course there will be a one hour online discussion where we can introduce ourselves. Additional resources can be access here via our Brand New ONLINE DOULA MOODLE.

 2. Four day workshop ~ The workshop is action packed with a range of activities where you will have time to think and reflect as well as work with the other supportive delegates discussing, reflecting, questioning and exploring the birthing world and why women/pregnant people want to hire a doula? All the course content meets the Doula UK curriculum plus more.  You will have the opportunity to write a learning journal which is completed after each session and action set points for your journey as a doula after the course finishes. Some of this content will be delivered as independent learning module. 

The in person course days will run 9.30am to 6pm.

The online workshops will run 9.30 - 5pm.

​3. Post coursework ~ This is a self directed e-module - After three full days of exploration and self-discovery, you might want to take a few days to digest. Then when you are ready you can begin your post course e-module. This further opportunity has been created to enhance your learning which I encourage you to take time digesting and preparing. This e-module will give you further self-acknowledgement about how you can work as a doula as well as expanding further on the birth world that surrounds you as a doula.  It creates opportunity for networking and beginning your work with your first client, of which you will be supported. This further learning can be done in your own time and as you complete the e-module assignments you will receive feedback and acknowledgement of completion.  On completion you will receive certification.  Advisory time for e-learning is 8 hours. 

​4. Mentoring and Closing the Course ~ Each delegate will be offered a one to one mentoring follow up call. This can be used as an opportunity for us to meet up again, discuss your post coursework module, business preparation, insurance and mentoring. This session will be online video call. We will also then discuss further mentoring upon completion as we offer mentoring as an extension of our support. To read more about mentoring for doulas please see here. Every delegate can also take full advantage of the course cohort chat group. 

​

PLEASE NOTE: PARTS OF THIS COURSE ARE BEING UPDATED AND MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY TO THE DESCRIPTION HERE!

​

Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for this course are 45-55

At Red Tent doulas, we believe there is a doula for everyone. We believe one of the most important aspects in doulaing is to create a community of support around each doula.