FAQ

Here’s a list of questions and answers that you may find useful. If you want to ask something not mentioned here, please get in touch.

How long is the course?

5 days

Why is the course divided into 2 weekends and a 5th day a few weeks later?

To provide you with a time for reflection and time to begin your assignments. The time in between also allows you to begin the process of setting yourself up as a doula in your local area. It means you will know the other women on the course for much longer that 5 days, and form friendships that we hope will be fruitful and supportive during your doula career.

Do I need to have had children to be a doula?

No. There are many doulas who started this work before having their own children – and they successfully found clients.

Do I need any relevant experience, skills or qualifications?

No, all we ask is passion, commitment and an open heart. Even if you are a man, we will still consider you!

How much does the course cost?

It costs £375. Usually I ask for a deposit of £75 to reserve your place, with the balance due 2 weeks before the course begins. If you would like to pay in instalments, please talk to me.

Do you run the course somewhere closer to where I live?

We have travelled in the past, but only when we have been invited by a ready-made group of aspiring doulas. We are not a large organisation; rather 2 doulas who can afford to run these courses only because we have the use of one of our houses. Many women before you have found their way to us by car or public transport.

It seems so hard for me to face the prospect of leaving my family to attend the course. Can I bring my children with me?

Yes, if you bring another adult with you who can take the children out and entertain them for the day (there’s a zoo close by) or who can stay nearby with your breastfed baby til s/he needs a feed. We love babies and children, which is why we have to say with a heavy heart that they are too distracting to have in a room with women who are learning and often sharing deep, private emotions.Becoming a birth or postnatal doula will involve leaving your children sometimes. The doula journey is an adventure, taking you to people and places you never thought possible. Most doulas say this journey makes them more fulfilled – as women and mothers. If you feel you just could not leave your children to attend a course, then we’d suggest you think about how you would intend to leave them to attend a birth or work postnatally. Attending the course might be your first practice in arranging childcare, which will be necessary at least sometimes should you choose to work as a doula.

I am a trained midwife or SM – can I be a doula?

Yes. The midwife’s journey is a slightly different experience of transition as you work out the boundaries between the 2 roles. We have a lot of experience supporting midwives as they begin the transition to the doula role. If you would like to speak  to other midwives we have trained, please get in touch.

My children are grown and I’m retired now. Am I too old to train?

No!

I am still under 20 – am I too young to train?

No!

Why do you say I have to speak to you the phone before you can confirm me a place?

Because we don’t just train anyone. We want to train people who are ready to go off and be the best doulas they can be, either now or in the future. We want to train women who have true and heartfelt motives – and we want to get to know you a little before we meet!

Do I have to join Doula UK after I finish the course?

No, but we hope you will! Doula UK accredits all the courses, provides learning, sharing, camaraderie and emotional support to all it’s members. It is run by doulas, for doulas and is great fun to be a part of.

After five days training are you fully trained to start as a doula?

Yes, after the 5 day course you are a ‘trainee doula’ in Doula Uk’s eyes. We guide you in how to join Doula UK and help you find a Doula UK Mentor, to help and support you as you begin your wonderful doula journey. On the course we make sure you have all the tools to enable you to begin supporting women as a doula – including insurance and all the other ‘business stuff’ – as well as the practical skills and knowledge you’ll be using.

Got  a question that isn’t answered here - get in touch.

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