Doula UK Approved Courses

Instagram: youniquepostnatal

BECOME A FULL SPECTRUM POSTNATAL DOULA!

More About Us:

Established in 2015, Younique Postnatal is the only Doula UK Approved provider of courses and workshops focusing on becoming a full spectrum postnatal doula - and deepening your practice supporting new parents.  The course was born from a passion to support the postnatal period, which has virtually been erased in the UK and from a desire to revive it by training skilled postnatal doulas to nurture, nourish and create a positive experience for new parents.

With historically low levels of funding and no continuity of postnatal care in the UK, we want to bridge the gap and train more postnatal doulas and consultants to support families in every geographical area so that every parent can access the much needed support after the birth of a baby that is so missing.  Our courses are based on: evidence and research, observation and experience, intuitive practice and the sharing of ideas.  

Both facilitators, Victoria and Erin have been postnatal doulas since 2013 and have completed numerous related trainings to give their clients high quality support, whilst recognising that their learning journey is lifelong.  They both recognise the value of the postpartum continuum, understanding that babies and parents who have a grounded start with their needs met will have a more positive health and wellbeing journey in the long term.  They also want to ensure doulas create flexible, profitable and sustainable businesses so they can fit their practice around other family and life commitments.

Our ethos: every parent is unique and every doula is unique!

We support accessibility to our courses for all types of learning with two options: virtual over Zoom and face to face in two locations: London and Midhurst, West Sussex.

What We Offer:

o   5 day face to face courses, Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm, finishing at 4pm on the Friday, facilitated by two experienced postnatal doulas in small groups

o   A virtual course with 14 Zoom sessions: offered in two ways, an Intensive course over 7 weeks, Mon and Thurs evenings and a Standard course over 14 weeks, Monday evenings, both 7.30-9.45pm.

o   Self-directed work before and after the course to include reflection, reading and research, online modules with videos, prompts and links

o   Time to explore and debrief your own birth, postnatal and infant feeding experiences in a safe environment

o   Lively and interactive learning, with visual aids, group work, hands on experience and practice exercises

o   In depth exploration of the postnatal doula role, the postnatal period and how best to support new parents; a wide and comprehensive range of topics and perspectives on the postnatal period including: emotional and physical recovery, mental health, babycare, supporting fathers/partners and the wider family, practical support, advocacy, global perspectives and helping parents make informed choices

o   Evidence based information on current guidelines and areas of research in postnatal care

o   Supporting infant feeding as a postnatal doula hosted by a qualified Breastfeeding Counsellor or IBCLC

o   Establishing your business: exploration of ideas to create a sustainable career and find work through visibility raising and confidence building

o   Exploration of your own unique qualities that can be brought to your practice and how to find balance in your role

o   Culturally sensitive and inclusion aware

o   Support and information on starting your doula journey, joining Doula UK, support services for doulas and mentoring including the Younique Postnatal Mentoring Programme and Doula UK's Mentoring Scheme.

o   Extensive manual supplied covering all course topics and up-to-date resource links, which you can add to and develop

o   Certificate of Completion

o   One to One debriefs and consolidation sessions with course facilitator

o   Opportunities for extra support from one of the course facilitators 

o   The Initial Preparation Course includes: a Babycarrying for Doulas workshop with Sling Consultant Zoe Crossley Woodman and a Visioning your Doula Practice Workshop with postnatal doula and coach, Erin McGuigan

o   YP Doulaescence Mentoring Programme including the Doulaescence Journal with experienced postnatal doulas as Mentors

o   Private Facebook group – a safe and inclusive place to get support from other postnatal doulas and trainee postnatal doulas with opportunities for further Coaching sessions, social meetups and events

o   Additional courses and workshops offered to develop your postnatal doula skills including: 

Postnatal Planning Workshop with Erin McGuigan, Development Sessions to deepen your practice, Check In Course to prepare you as a Postnatal Consultant;

Intuitive Infant Feeding Course with Breastfeeding Counsellor/Infant Feeding Support Worker, Erin Zohrehie, Understanding and Preventing Reflux Workshop, Sensational Solids Session, Formula Facts Session; 

Twins and More Workshop, Understanding Newborns Workshop;

Honouring the Postnatal Body Workshop with postnatal doula and massage/dance therapist Gemma Harvey, British Birth and Postpartum Traditions Sessions with shamanic/pagan celebrant doula Eva Greenslade; 

Visioning Your Doula Practice Workshop with Erin McGuigan;

o   Payment plans available

o   Up to 2 full scholarships available a year and a number of half price places for those in need.  Please message info@youniquepostnatal.co.uk for more eligibility information.

Red Tent Doulas offers a comprehensive, trauma-informed doula training grounded in traditional midwifery, birth education, and postpartum care. 

Led by Nicola Mahdiyyah Goodall (click the link to check out her adventures on instagram) and the Red Tent family team the course blends ancient wisdom with modern practices, covering birth support, breastfeeding, menstrual health, and emotional well-being. The program includes deep trauma work and emphasizes culturally sensitive and non-clinical care. Graduates join a supportive, global network of doulas working to empower women and improve birth outcomes. 

Changing the environment the families live in with activism, learning from elders, falling in love. Flexible learning options and post-course mentoring available.

Payment plans available.

Lots of extra content from other teachers and discounts available for Red Tent family going forward.

Click through and read more about us on our website - even better check out our instagram @redtentdoulacollective

Watch Nicola Mahdiyyahs TED talk here

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

Welcome to The Doula Training Foundation

If you've been thinking about becoming a doula then you're in the right place. We've developed a 4 day immersive experience so that you will feel fully prepared to support women and their families during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. The course will give you everything you need to know in order to set up your own successful business. 

At The Doula Training Foundation, we are passionate about equipping kind, caring, and compassionate doulas with the knowledge and skills they need to support women and families. Our trainees are from diverse backgrounds, coming from all walks of life, often bringing additional holistic skills and therapies to enhance their practice.

Choosing the Right Doula Training Matters

Changing your career is a significant decision, you need to know you’re in safe hands. Our course offers a unique opportunity to train with two highly experienced, dedicated career doulas:

✨ Jemma - Successful doula since 2016, mentor, hypnobirthing teacher and closing the bones facilitator.
✨ Anne-Marie - Qualified “Train the Trainer” coach, mentor, and experienced doula since 2017.

Together, we have supported hundreds of women, from pre-conception to IVF, wild pregnancies, high-risk births, elective caesareans, and freebirths. With a huge knowledge base and years of hands-on experience, we deliver training in a fun, engaging, and practical way.

Why Train With Us?

Our course isn’t the quickest, cheapest, or easiest route to becoming a doula, that’s intentional.

We believe that becoming a doula is a calling, not just a qualification. We are looking for doulas who are:

✅ Truly passionate about supporting women and families.
✅ Committed to growing, learning, and developing their skills.
✅ Ready to invest in themselves to become the best doulas they can be.

In return, we give you our all.

✔️ A solid foundation of knowledge following Doula UK’s core curriculum.
✔️ Real-life scenarios, activities, and discussions to prepare you for practice.
✔️ Small, in-person groups to foster deep connection.
✔️ A full day dedicated to business skills—helping you get off to a strong start.
✔️ A spiritual element woven throughout the course, including guided meditations, cacao ceremony, and dedicated time for reflection, allowing you to connect deeply with yourself and your calling as a doula.

A Training Experience Like No Other

🤝 Face-to-Face Learning. We believe in the power of in-person teaching, where real connections are made.
📖 Comprehensive Course Manual. Packed with evidence-based information, research, and space for reflection.
💡 Ongoing Support & Mentoring. We don’t just train you and send you off. We provide:

• A one-to-one follow-up call after the course.
• A group Zoom after the course to check in, ask questions and build relationships
• Monthly Zoom meetups for continued learning and connection.
• In-person gatherings to build community.
• A members-only WhatsApp group for support and networking.
• A resource hub on our website with up-to-date research, signposting ideas, and customizable documents for your clients.

Our Commitment to Accessibility & Inclusion

💜 We are proud to offer a 50% discount on at least one place per course to individuals from marginalized backgrounds who are in financial need.
 💜 We also offer instalment payment options, please don’t hesitate to ask.

We Love What We Do, and We Want to Share It With You!

The more doulas we train, the more women and families can be supported. If you feel called to this work, we would love to have you with us.

💻 Visit our website for the most up-to-date course information.
😊 Have questions? Get in touch, we’d love to chat with 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.