A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, informational, and physical support to families during pregnancy, birth, and the early postnatal period. Unlike midwives or doctors, doulas are not medically trained – their role is to walk alongside the birthing person, helping them feel empowered, informed, and supported. Doulas offer a continuous presence during labour, help with birth preparation, and may also support families after the baby arrives.

To become a doula in the UK, you typically complete a recognised doula training course, like the ones we offer at The BirthBliss Academy. There are no legal requirements or mandatory qualifications, but high-quality training is essential to ensure you can offer safe, confident support. Many new doulas also join mentoring or accreditation programmes to gain practical experience and build a strong foundation. Explore our doula training options here →

In the UK, doulas are not regulated by law, so formal qualifications are not legally required. However, completing an accredited doula training course will give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to support families well. Most clients expect their doula to be trained, and many organisations and directories (like Doula UK and The Doula Directory) require it.

A birth doula supports a woman and her partner before, during, and immediately after labour. Their role includes birth preparation, emotional reassurance during labour, and helping the woman feel confident, safe, and informed throughout the experience. A postnatal doula supports the family at home after the baby is born, offering practical help, emotional support, and a calm, non-judgemental presence during the early weeks of parenthood. Even if you’re planning to work only as a postnatal doula, it’s really valuable to have training in both areas. Many new mothers want to talk about and process their birth experience during the postnatal period, and having a solid understanding of labour and birth can be incredibly helpful in offering the right support.

This depends on the course format. In-person doula courses can be completed in 3–5 days of intensive training. Our self-paced online course can be completed in as little as 4–6 weeks or spread out over a few months if needed. After training, many doulas continue learning through mentoring or an Accreditation Programme to build real-life experience.

Doula training in the UK typically ranges from £500 to over £1,000 depending on the provider and format. At The BirthBliss Academy, we offer two flexible training options: Self-Paced Online Course – £648, or 6 monthly payments of £108 In-Person Doula Training – £848, with the option to pay over 3 or 6 months Just contact us to arrange it. Both options include lifetime access to course materials, access to our private community, and a 6-month free listing on The Doula Directory.

Yes – and it's one of the most flexible options available. Our online doula training course allows you to learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. You'll still be part of a warm, supportive community through live Zoom sessions, Facebook group access, and other events that help you deepen your learning and feel connected. Find out more about our self-paced online course →

Absolutely. Doula work can be deeply fulfilling, allowing you to support families at a transformative time in their lives. Many doulas work flexibly, set their own hours, and grow a career around their lifestyle. While income can vary, many doulas charge £1,000+ per birth support package, and postnatal work offers ongoing opportunities.

Yes – especially if you train with BirthBliss Academy. Our students are invited to join a supportive community, attend live sessions, and access optional one-to-one coaching through our Accreditation Programme. This structured support helps you grow in confidence and feel fully ready to support your first clients.

Look for a course that aligns with your values, offers trauma-informed content, and includes ongoing support beyond the classroom. Consider whether you prefer in-person or online learning, and check if the course is approved by organisations like Doula UK or FEDANT. It’s also a good idea to speak to a few different course providers and ask questions about their approach, their support, and their community. Then go with your gut feeling – finding the right doula course is a lot like finding the right doula: it should feel like the right fit for you.