Online & In-Person Doula Training Course In The UK 

The Accreditation Process

At The BirthBliss Academy, we’ve designed the Doula Accreditation process to be a supportive, reflective journey that helps you develop both personally and professionally. It’s not just about completing a set number of jobs, it's about gaining hands-on experience, reflecting on your work, and receiving the feedback you need to grow into a confident and capable doula.

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Here’s how the process works, including all the important steps and costs involved:

Step 1: Sign Up

You’ve decided to take your doula career to the next level by becoming accredited. Now it’s time to sign up.

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• Choose Your Accreditation: You can opt for Birth Doula Accreditation, Postnatal Doula Accreditation, or both.

• Cost:

  • £45 for one accreditation (either birth or postnatal)

  • £40 for both birth and postnatal accreditations

Step 2: Initial Contact

After signing up, you will hear from Siobhan Smith, the Head of Accreditation. Within 7 to 10 days of signing up, Siobhan will arrange a phone call to discuss the next steps and answer any questions you might have. This is your chance to ensure everything is clear before you begin.

Step 3: Assignment to a Doula Coach

After your initial conversation with Siobhan, you will be assigned to your Doula Coach. Your Doula Coach will be your mentor throughout your accreditation journey, offering you one-on-one support and guidance.

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• Personalised Guidance: Your Doula Coach will reach out to discuss your profile on the Doula Directory and how to present yourself on relevant platforms.

• Payment: You will be asked to pay a £60 debrief fee upfront, which covers the debrief after your first job. This payment will be made directly to your Doula Coach.

Step 4: Ongoing Support

As you begin seeking out and securing your first jobs, your Doula Coach is available to answer any questions and provide guidance. Regular communication is encouraged to ensure that you feel confident and supported throughout the process.

Step 5: Your First Job

Once you secure your first job, let your Doula Coach know as soon as possible. After completing the job, you will need to:

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• Fill Out a Reflective Form: This form allows you to document your experience and reflect on what went well, what could be improved, and what you’ve learned.

• Debrief: You will arrange a debrief session with your Doula Coach to go through your experience, gain valuable feedback, and discuss how you can apply your learnings to future jobs.

Step 6: Subsequent Jobs

For each subsequent job, follow the same process:

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• Notify Your Doula Coach: After you complete each job, let your Doula Coach know.

• Make a £60 Payment: A debrief fee of £60 per job is required for each debrief session, and this will be paid directly to your Doula Coach.

• Reflect and Debrief: After each job, complete a reflective form and schedule a debrief session with your coach. This process helps you improve and learn from each job until you’ve completed the required number of jobs.

• Requirements:

  • Birth Doula Accreditation: Support four births, which should include two antenatal sessions, an on-call period, and the birth itself.

  • Postnatal Doula Accreditation: Support four families, providing a minimum of five sessions per family.

Step 7: Final Accreditation

Once you have completed all the required jobs and debriefs, you will meet the requirements for accreditation. At this point:

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• Final Debrief: You will have a final debrief session with your Doula Coach to review your entire journey. This is a reflective conversation where your Doula Coach will confirm that you’ve met the criteria and are ready for full accreditation.

With your accreditation in hand, you are now equipped to provide exceptional support as a certified doula, with ongoing mentorship backing you up.

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Financial Recap

Here’s a quick breakdown of the costs involved in the process:

• Sign-Up Fee:

  • £45 for one accreditation (either Birth or Postnatal)

  • £40 for both Birth and Postnatal accreditations

• Debrief Fee:

  • £60 per job, paid directly to your Doula Coach.
    (You’ll need to complete four jobs for either Birth or Postnatal accreditation. If you’re doing both, you’ll need to complete eight jobs in total, four for each accreditation type.)

Total Cost Breakdown:

• For One Accreditation (either Birth or Postnatal):

  • 4 jobs x £60 = £240

  • Sign-Up Fee: £45

  • Total: £285

• For Both Birth & Postnatal Accreditation:

  • 8 jobs x £60 = £480

  • Sign-Up Fee: £40

  • Total: £520

No Hidden Costs

There are no hidden costs in the process. The upfront sign-up fee and the debrief fees cover everything you need to complete your accreditation, ensuring you only pay as you earn and gain hands-on experience.

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Business Expense

The costs involved in the accreditation process, including the sign-up fee and debrief fees, can be treated as business expenses. This means they can be claimed through your business books as part of your professional development and training costs. Please consult with your accountant or business advisor to ensure this is handled appropriately for tax purposes.