Did you know that Doula UK approve doula courses and that on completion you will be invited to become a member of Doula UK?
Doula UK approved course providers:
Follow the Doula UK Core Curriculum
Have been independently assessed on the quality, suitability and inclusivity of their course
Are led by an experienced doula and trainer
Have completed inclusivity and diversity training
Adhere to the Doula UK Code of Conduct & Philosophy
We have a wide range of courses available for you to choose from. All of the below courses are Doula UK approved and on graduation you will be invited to join Doula UK.
If you're not quite ready for the next step, come along to one of our Introductory Workshops online where you can find out more about becoming a doula.
Course Type: Birth and Postpartum Doula Preparation, Specialist Postpartum
Phone Number: 07977 921709
Cost: £795 or £550 for Specialist Postpartum
Email: developingdoulas@gmail.com
Contact name: Maddie McMahon
DevelopingDoulaslogo2.png27.05 KBDeveloping Doulas provide Doula UK Approved doula preparation courses for birth and postpartum doulas. We provide group courses both online and in person, together with extensive, self directed learning on our online portal and ongoing support via our community groups and Companionship (mentoring) system.
“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 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 Csand 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.
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
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.
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.
💜 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!
"Doing Kicki's course was probably the best money I have ever spent. The course covered everything I could have wished for, was well structured, set in a beautiful informal setting, and I enjoyed the intimate atmosphere with a small group of women. Kicki is an amazing doula and teacher, and the course reflects how inspiring she is; she brings out the best in people. I not only feel well prepared to start my path as a doula, but I feel uplifted as a mother and as a woman." Eloise Rickman
Let’s face it, finding the right doula course can feel overwhelming. With so many options out there, how do you know which one will actually prepare you for the real work of being a doula?
At The BirthBliss Academy, we strip away the noise and take you back to the heart of what this role is really about. This isn’t a course for people who want to be spoonfed information or tick boxes. It’s for women who are ready to show up fully; to dig deep, step into their power, and become a steady, grounded support for others.
Whether you feel called to support women during pregnancy, birth, the postnatal period, or those long, quiet night-time hours, this course is here to help you uncover the kind of doula you are meant to be.
Why Choose The BirthBliss Doula Academy?
Rooted in tradition, built for today This course connects the ancient lineage of women supporting women with the practical realities of today’s maternity landscape. Doulas are not new, we’ve always been here, quietly holding space through the most powerful transition in life. This training helps you tap into that timeless energy while building the skills and confidence to work as a modern, professional doula.
Being a doula, not just doing the job This is not a course where you memorise a script or copy someone else’s way. Here, you’ll explore what it means to be a doula, to be present, to hold space without judgement, and to navigate complex dynamics with grace. It’s about learning to listen deeply, trust your instincts, and support others without attachment to outcomes.
Comprehensive Support: Antenatal, Birth, Postnatal & Night-time Whether you want to specialise or offer the full spectrum of care, we’ve got you covered:
Antenatal Support – Helping clients explore their options, prepare for birth, and feel emotionally and practically ready.
Birth Doula Support – Understanding physiology, building trust, supporting choices, and offering unwavering presence through labour and birth.
Postnatal Support – Nurturing recovery, newborn care, feeding, sleep, and emotional wellbeing in the early days.
Night-time Support – Offering practical help and reassurance overnight so families can rest and adjust to life with a new baby.
Flexible Learning, Real-Life Impact Choose the format that suits you best:
A life-changing 4-day in-person course with hands-on practice and deep connection
A fully online, self-paced version for flexibility without compromise
Optional live Doula Days via Zoom to ask questions, meet others, and deepen your learning
This Course is Just the Beginning At BirthBliss, you’re never just a number. Once you complete the course, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive and vibrant doula community with:
A private online group just for BirthBliss doulas
Monthly “Doula the Doula” Zoom sessions
Regular CPD workshops and Doula Deep Dives
Bi-monthly Coach & Connect calls
Business resources and templates to get started with confidence
An optional Accreditation Programme to guide you through your first clients with 1-to-1 coaching
Six Months Free on The Doula Directory You’ll be listed on The Doula Directory for free for the first six months, helping you find clients and start your journey. You’ll also receive a professional lanyard and ID card with a QR code that links directly to your profile.
Meet Your Course Leader: Kicki Hansard
I’m Kicki, founder of the BirthBliss Academy and a Doula UK founding member. I’ve trained over 1,000 doulas and supported families for more than two decades. My passion is helping women like you become doulas, not by handing over a checklist, but by helping you see that you already have what it takes.
I trained directly with Penny Simkin and Phyllis Klaus, pioneers of the modern doula movement, and their influence runs through everything I teach. My work is deeply rooted in women-centred care, birth physiology, trauma awareness, and the simple, powerful act of showing up with an open heart.
This course is not about perfection, it’s about presence. If you’re ready to grow, stretch, and find your voice, you’re in the right place.
Is This the Course for You?
If you’ve felt the nudge that this is the work you’re meant to do, to walk alongside others, to hold space with compassion and strength, then yes. This course will give you the knowledge, confidence, and community you need to begin.
💜 Ready to get started?Enrol today and step into the work you were meant to do.
Location: Various across UK & Online group courses
Course Type: Birth and Postnatal Doula Preparation
Cost: £1495
Email: sarah@nurturingbirth.co.uk
Contact name: Sarah Sayer
Some of our recent coursesNurturing Birth is one of the UK’s most respected doula training organisations, having trained over 3,000 doulas since 2005. Guided by the values of compassion, respect, and community, we provide not just a strong foundation for aspiring doulas but also ongoing support long after training is complete. Our carefully selected facilitators and mentors are at the heart of our supportive community
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
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.
