Do I need to be a mother or have given birth to be a doula?
No you do not. Most doulas are mothers but women with relevant experience or a keen desire to help others have become successful doulas without having children.

Who attends this course?
Many different women! There are "stay at home mums" who want to help and work again, there are ex-midwives and health visitors, reflexologists, homeopaths, nurses, ex-career women, and even more experienced doulas!

Do I need prior diplomas or experience?
No, most women who decide to become doulas have no particular prior training.

Are doulas expected to have a specific qualifications?
There is absolutely no need to have a university qualification to be a doula, this is not what the role of a doula requires. Parents do not ask or expect their doulas to have a university diploma. As experienced doulas will tell you, the important part of the training is not academic but in the follow-up support available to the individual doula, her mentoring and supervision as she puts into practice and hones her new skills .

“I found the tutors to be extremely open and compassionate as well as passionate about what they are. It was great to experience two different tutors with different approaches and a common passion. I felt very supported and nurtured by the tutors and the group, and this brought a feeling of relief that I didn't even know I was looking for! I feel confident with Nurturing Birth by 'my side' to begin my doula journey. “

Is the Nurturing Birth course accredited?
Yes, it has been a Doula UK recognised course since 2005, when we first started training doulas. Doula UK is the only national association for doulas in the UK. Only doulas who have successfully completed a Doula UK recognised course are eligible for membership. In addition all our trainers are members of Doula UK. The role of the doula is not an academic or intellectual one, hence a degree level qualification is not relevant nor necessary. We support families emotionally and practically, which draws on a doula's life experience as much as on her (newly acquired) knowledge. We each bring our own qualities to our work.
Parents don't expect (or ask) their doula to have a university degree for example.

In what way is the Nurturing Birth course different from other courses?
We have been successfully training doulas since 2005 and we are the only UK based training organisation able to offer a Directory (with over 300 doulas), a very active online forum and a monthly e-news to our course participants. Our course is taught by very experienced doulas who between them have worked for several hundreds of families. This helps participants understand in real terms what a doula's role really is and the kind of support she can give to a new family. We can’t emphasise enough the benefit of attending a course lead by one or two professionally qualified trainers who are themselves successful doulas.
- see here for more information.

"This forum is so wonderful with support, and no question or query ever feels stupid which is amazing!!"

When can I start practising as a doula?
Anytime really, most women start right away after the course.

Do you get some handouts during the course?
At the beginning of the course you will receive a large course manual (over 150 pages) with a lot of information to help you in your practice on topics such as obstetric scenarios, breastfeeding, running a small business, marketing your skills, bibliography...

"I think the manual is excellent" - NCT teacher

"The manual is extremely impressive, well laid out, clear in style and language used."

"The manual is my bible, I still take it to birth."- doula trained in 2006

How long is the course?
3 days.

Are there more workshops to attend after the 3 days?
No. There are Level 2 workshops but they are entirely optional.

Do I get a certificate when I have attended the course?
Yes when you submit your post course module.

How much work is required before and after the course?
The short answer is NOT much but... The pre-course module isn't difficult or long but aims to get women more aware of their skills and knowledge and to make them reflect on their own experience. The post-course module aims to get doulas to reflect on their views of birth and breastfeeding after the course.

Do you offer mentoring for new doulas? And for how long?
Absolutely! And for as long as you feel you need it. Our doulas remain in regular contact with their trainers and other doulas from their course and the Nurturing Birth organisation. This is key to proper support and supervision.

Can I do this course by distance learning?
I am afraid not. A great deal of the benefit of attending this course is the possibility to discuss, exchange and reflect with a small group of doulas. Many women enjoy the time away from their family concentrating on a topic they have a passion for!

When we asked our doulas if they could have become doulas by doing a distance learning type course, this were some of their replies:

"I can't see how anyone can be taught the fundamentals of "being" a doula by correspondence. The personal development that happens with a group of women sharing experiences is absolutely essential. A distance course may give you more information... but being an effective doula is about so much more than information."

"I thought doulaing was about support, there can never be that level of support on a correspondence course - Even the Open University have Study Days, lectures, etc'."