Nurturing Birth offers three doula training courses for anyone wishing to become a birth and/or postnatal doula. Our aim at Nurturing Birth is to introduce people to the doula role, look at antenatal preparation, birth and postnatal support, nurture doulas through their journey and empower them to go out and support families with confidence. The doula courses are held in comfortable, homely environments providing safe spaces in which to explore experiences of pregnancy, birth and parenting.
The Intensive Course is our shorter course – a perfect introduction to the world of doulaing. Our Expansive Course is ideal if you know that being a doula is the right path for you – the course is a combination of online learning, face-to-face time with a course facilitator and one-to-one mentoring throughout. Our Social Distancing Course is a combination of the Intensive and Expansive courses, hosted online, with additional support from our mentoring team.
| Intensive Course | Expansive Course |
|---|---|
| 4 consecutive days spent with an experienced working doula looking at the doula role, debriefing experiences and meeting like-minded people | Three 2-day gatherings across 4 months with an experienced working doula with a focus for each “weekend” on the doula role in birth, postnatal and business/self-care |
| Reflective work to be completed in advance of the four days together | Reflective work to be completed in advance of each “weekend”, as well as after the group sessions |
| Preparation for the course – exploring beliefs, feelings and knowledge around pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Work to be submitted to the Course Facilitator at least one week before the course start date. | Preparation for the course – exploring beliefs, feelings and knowledge around pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Modules to be completed online in advance of each “weekend” |
| Online learning – introduction to all topics in advance of the group sessions | |
| Option to purchase the online content of the Expansive Course on completion of Nurturing Birth Classic Course | Learn from more than 10 guest specialists via online modules created specifically for the Nurturing Birth course |
| One-to-one session with your Doula Facilitator after the course (via phone or Skype) to discuss your situation, expectations, fears and challenges going forward | Mentoring from the start of your course with your chosen mentor – 5 dedicated sessions supporting you through your course and as you start your business |
| Introduction to the Nurturing Birth Initial Doula Mentoring Programme once you have completed your course at £60 per session, plus a £150 registration fee | Opportunity to continue with the Initial Doula Mentoring Programme at £60 per session |
| Full practice doula interview with your mentor with discussion and feedback afterwards | |
| Six months to complete a post-course module | One year to complete all the online course modules |
| Nurturing Birth Intensive Course Certificate on completion of the course and home study modules to the satisfaction of the Course Facilitator | Nurturing Birth Expansive Course Certificate on completion of the course and home study modules to the satisfaction of the Course Facilitator |
| Secret Facebook group available from six weeks prior to the first group gathering up to six weeks after completion of the group work with weekly contact from your Course Facilitator, opportunities to share and ask for support | |
| More information on the intensive course | More information on the expansive course |
All doulas completing a Nurturing Birth course will get:
- Nurturing Birth Doula logos to put on websites and other promotional materials
- A comprehensive manual full of evidence-based research and information to support you in starting your doula journey
- A free listing on the international Nurturing Birth Directory
- Discounted options on some of our CPD courses
- Invitation to a secret Facebook group where you can get support from our warm, welcoming network of Nurturing Birth doulas across the globe
- Invitations to Nurturing Birth doula gatherings
- A quarterly e-newsletter with up-to-date research, information, CPD options and support
- The well-respected position of being a Nurturing Birth doula
- Option to join Doula UK
There is a comprehensive manual for each participant, which is given out during the course. In preparation for the four days every participant is expected to complete a pre-course module and submit that to her trainer at least one week prior to the course.
The home-study is designed to allow the participant to best prepare and reflect. Following the course there is a post-course module to be completed. Once that module is completed to the satisfaction of the trainer then a Nurturing Birth certificate will be issued.
After attending the course, and once you have got your certificate from Nurturing Birth, you can choose to become a member of Doula UK and/or start working right away.
All Nurturing Birth courses are approved by Doula UK
Interested in becoming a Doula?
Have a look at our upcoming courses to find a course happening near you.
