Doula UK Approved Courses

“I have had the most amazing time on the Developing Doulas course. I definitely think my soul needed this. I can see that this will truly change my life and how I interact with others. I have left this course feeling informed and supported and with a team of women that I can confide in. You are amazing and I feel very fortunate to have met you.”

The Course and the Community

The Developing Doulas course was born in 2008 out of a passionate desire to provide nurturing, community-based support through the transition to doula work. We are called Developing Doulas because we recognise that this role is one of lifelong learning. When we relish this ongoing development we prevent ego getting in the way of our belief that it is our clients who are the experts.

A wealth of research supports the beneficial effects of doula support and so we are committed to increasing the number of doulas in the world and by that, changing the lives of countless families.

But we also know that many doulas do not continue this work. It can be hard, emotional and lonely. So we strive to provide a safe, brave space for Developing Doulas to grow within a nurturing community. Regular online coffee mornings, Companionship (our in-house mentoring system) and dedicated, private online spaces to build friendships and collaborations providing you with the knowledge that there is always someone there to support you.

Our community is supported by our guiding principles, that we call The 7 Cs and our panel of patrons.

The quickest way to get a sense of how it feels to become a doula and join our community is to watch our short film. 

Our Founders, Facilitators and Curriculum

Developing Doulas was founded by Maddie McMahon – experienced doula, doula mentor, breastfeeding counsellor and author of ‘Why Doulas Matter’ and ‘Why Mothering Matters’ With a background in teaching and then two decades of doula experience, Maddie has written a course and gathered together a team of facilitators that share her ethos and who are all extremely experienced doulas. We have a proven track record helping hundreds of people follow their dream to become a doula.

❁ Five full days or the online courses with shorter zoom sessions spread over a month.

✾ Three full days if you choose our Specialist Postpartum Doula Course

❁A loving, informal atmosphere designed to help you ‘find the doula within’ in a small, intimate group of maximum 12 participants

✾ Courses round the UK facilitated by experienced doulas and Breastfeeding Counsellors

❁ All course participants get lifetime access to our substantial online course manual consisting of written materials, videos and audio recordings

✾Practical skills for birth and postpartum doulas – learning to ‘mother the mother’ by listening, holding the space and supporting informed decision-making

❁ Time to debrief and explore your own experiences, share and give and receive support within the group

✾ Explore the role of the doula and what it means to you, your family and the wider community

❁ Support and information on setting up and getting going as a doula.

✾ One to one sessions at the end of the course to reflect on the course and your future as a doula

❁ A set of guiding principles - our '7Cs' to support you on your journey

✾ Extend your learning and personal growth and benefit your community with the post-course project and our varied opportunities for additional learning.

❁ Certificate of completion

✾ Opportunities for ongoing learning and development of knowledge and skills through Developing Doulas workshops and work-from-home courses

❁ Cut price business, marketing and website support available to DD members and discounted access to our Doulavation course which widens and deepens the learning from your preparation course

✾ Our own Patreon platform where we can gather away from the noise of social media to share information, learn and develop our skills

❁ The Pam Lacey Award is for women who aspire to support breastfeeding mothers in their community. This awards 15% off the course fees.

✾ If you come from a marginalised group and wish to become a doula to support your community and need help to finance the course, please do talk to us.

❁ Payment in instalments welcome.

✾ Book a call to ask questions: developingdoulas.co.uk/book-call

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.

Join our comprehensive doula 6-month training program designed to create trauma-informed doulas capable of providing culturally safe care.

Every Birth Matters offers a Doula UK Approved Doula Preparation Course for you to prepare to become a birth and postnatal doula. 

This preparation course will lay the foundations for you to begin 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.

Doula's come from many different walks of life, some are drawn to doulaing because of their birth experiences or because they have an innate passion for supporting families through one of the most life changing experiences.  You may have been asked to be someone’s birth partner and you want to feel more prepared or you may want to change your career – whatever it is you’re in the right place.  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 parents 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 expectant parents and partners as well as their families throughout their pregnancies and in the early days of parenting. 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 etc.  We are there not to necessarily do, but to just be with. The role is so unique and different for each family – which makes it even more interesting.

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.

​This course is offered using blended learning techniques to give you times for learning, self-study and reflection.  This is an important part of the EBM offer as we aim to meet peoples individual learning needs to achieve completion of the learning. 

What does the EBM course offer? 

Becoming a doula is a learning journey in itself, this is a comprehensive course that aims to give you the confidence and knowledge you are looking for to begin being a doula. 

To complete the course and gain your 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. There are elements of research in this task that allows you to practice looking for specific information. All resources for the pre-assignment can be access here via our ONLINE DOULA MOODLE.

 2. Four Live Workshops ~ The workshops are 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 parents 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. These sessions will give you good oversight and information to navigating working as a doula in today’s world of maternity.  We will explore the content in a range of ways to meet learners differing needs. 

The workshops will run 9.30 - 5pm.

​4. Mentoring and Closing the Course ~  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 for approximately 1 hour about 4-6 weeks after the live workshops. 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, where you can network with other doulas who have trained with EBM. 

I have absolutely loved the doula preparation course from start to finish! I really don't have anything negative to say, except that I would have much preferred to have participated face to face.  Having said this, Katy made each session one to look forward to and quickly put the group online at ease. The sessions were all relevant and interesting with an equal mix of theory and personal experiences. I enjoyed the variety of assignments too and having a reason to research, read, view and review a topic close to my heart. Thanks once again Katy! It has been an absolute pleasure to have completed your course. AC - Delegate 2024

​As part of the course you will also receive: 

·        Doula UK Approved Course so you can join the membership

·        Free Access to “becoming a doula” module.

·        Comprehensive Resource File

·        Laminated pack of resources for you to use through the course and with your clients. 

·        Access to “Doula Moodle” inclusive of pre course materials and assignment

·        Access to Various E-Books to further enhance your knowledge

·        “Doula Birth Kit” for you to use with your clients.

·        E-Learning videos to further enhance your knowledge

·        Doula E-Resources via the EBM website

·        Online support via private Every birth Matters Social Media Forum

·        Recommended Reading List – inclusive of videos and websites

·        Extended “Learning Platform Padlet” – offering links to additional resources to get you off to an informed start.

·        Discount vouchers from other partnering services

·        Bespoke mentoring programme to support and empower you’re working doula journey (additional fees apply)

Why Kerry Chose Every Birth Matters Doula Course!

Watch her story here

 If you are wanting to know more please make contact with me, I am more than happy to discuss your needs and answer your questions. 

Reflecting back on the whole experience of the EBM doula preparation course I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every part of it. I loved doing the pre-course work as I enjoyed the opportunity to research and learn new things, there were some questions that challenged me as I had never had to think as a professional about things like safeguarding and domestic abuse. As I mentioned in the course reflection I loved researching the different people and their contributions to the birth world. The 3 days with you Katy were amazing, as a teacher you’re approachable and a complete well of knowledge and experience so it is fantastic to pick your brain, I feel comfortable to ask you anything - you make it known there are no silly questions. You have helped me to have confidence in myself, you covered a wide range of topics and provide an abundance of resources to aid in my doula journey which I appreciate. LO - delegate 2024

Email me - katy@everybirthmatters.co.uk 

Contact Me Here

🌀 Course Details:
Join us to explore the Continuum Doula method.
🤱 The Continuum model offers continuity of care for parents and provides deep satisfaction for the doula.
📚 Evidence-Based Approach – Our model differs from the traditional Doula set up and is rooted in research showing that continuity of care leads to better maternity outcomes.
🖐️ 5-Day Immersive Course – Includes a full DUK core curriculum with hands-on, in-person workshops every afternoon alongside other birth professionals.
👩‍🏫 Expert Support All Week – With 8–10 experienced teachers on-site throughout the week, you’ll feel comfortable, nurtured, and fully supported.
🥗 Delicious Catered Lunch – Enjoy a wholesome, catered lunch each day – so you can focus on learning without the stress of meal prep.
👐 Our course is hands-on, tactile, and disability-friendly, designed to feel radically different from traditional education. We offer a supportive, sensory learning environment where you can engage fully through group discussion, small group work, walking and talking, peer learning, shared reflection, and practical activities.
We are:
• ♿ Inclusive & Accessible – We welcome disabled and neurodivergent doulas, with adaptive spaces including break-out rooms and quiet areas to support diverse needs.
• 🏳️‍🌈 Celebrating All Identities – Queer, Black, Brown, and all doulas from diverse backgrounds are invited to show up fully and be seen, heard, and valued.
• 🙌 Open to Everyone – No previous experience or qualifications needed – just come as you are, ready to learn, unlearn, and grow.
• 🔄 Committed to Evolving – We actively listen and adapt based on your feedback, ensuring our training remains inclusive, relevant, and supportive for all.

📘 Throughout the course, Continuum Doulas will:
• 🧭 Understand the Doula’s Role – Learn how the Continuum Doula model differs and its unique approach.
• 💖 Embed Person-Centered Care – Integrate person-centred care into your doula practice.
• 🧠 Explore Personal Triggers – Reflect on your experiences to identify and manage potential triggers.
• 👂 Enhance Listening Skills – Develop active listening skills to support clients effectively.
• 🩹 Be Trauma-Informed – Understand the importance of trauma awareness in your practice.
• 🌍 Foster Inclusivity – Discuss topics such as neurodiversity, multiple births, birth after loss, racism, and supporting Black and Brown parents, LGBTQIA+ families, sole parents, and more.
• 💬 Gain Confidence in Client Meetings – Feel empowered in interviews, antenatal, and postnatal sessions.
• 🤝 Involve Birth Partners – Explore how to include the birth partner and family members in the process.
• 📿 Create a Beaded Birth Line – Experience creating and using a Beaded Birth Line with the original creator.
• 🤰 Understand Birth Physiology – Learn the stages, hormones, and physiology of various birth experiences.
• 👶 Support Postnatal Clients – Provide seamless support during the postnatal period.
• 🦠 Explore the Microbiome – Begin to understand the microbiome’s role in birth and infant feeding.
• 🧠 Recognise Mental Health Issues – Identify, support, and signpost perinatal and paternal mental health concerns.
• 👶🏽 Support Postnatal Parents – Discuss baby brain development, bonding, family dynamics, returning to work, and topics like baby-wearing.
• 🤱 Gain Confidence in Infant Feeding – Build confidence with breastfeeding and other infant feeding methods in a session with a qualified Breastfeeding Counsellor and an IBCLC.

  Our afternoon workshops can include:
• ✍️ A Maternal Journal Session – A creative, reflective workshop using journaling to explore the emotional journey of parenthood.
• 🤲 Co-Creating Care – Explore intersectionality and systemic issues while deepening understanding and reflection.
• 🌸 Exploring Everything Placentas – A hands-on experience with a real placenta, covering its many aspects and uses.
• 🚨 Birth Emergencies with an Independent Midwife – Learn how to be the calm in the room during unexpected situations.
• 🎒 What’s in Your Doula Bag? – A reflective and practical session exploring the tools doulas bring to their work.
• 📸 How to Take a Great Birth Pic – A practical session with a professional photographer on respectful and ethical birth photography.
• 📢 Getting Political! – Explore birth rights, consent, and advocacy with an experienced doula and MVP rep.
• 🤱 Infant Feeding for Doulas – A deep-dive session led by a Breastfeeding Counsellor and IBCLC.
• 🥣 The Closing Salt Bowl Ceremony – A ritual to honour your journey and set heartfelt intentions as a new doula.
 
🌙 We sometimes have evening workshops too, including:
• 🥬 Exploring nutrient-dense food for postnatal clients – fermenting and cheong making
• 💃 A nipple tassel making fundraiser
• 📿 Exploring the Beaded Birth Line in more depth
• ❄️ Cold swimming at our nearby quarry
• 🧘‍♀️ Yoga Nidras
• 🎁 Learning to use Birth Prep in a Box
 
💌 We look forward to hearing from you. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Do not let finances be a barrier to this important work. The world needs you!
✨ Join us for a truly unique and affirming learning experience!

Continuum doulas - What is a Continuum Doula

Continuum Curriculum - Continuum doulas

Join us. Dates. Costs. - Continuum doulas