Title: Accredited Certificate in Antenatal Birth Doula Practice

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Awarding Level

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Level 2/3 (Professional Practice / Community Birth Support)

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Programme Duration

8 Guided Learning Hours plus 30 hours online 

 

Independent Study & Assessment

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Delivery Methods:

• Classroom-based learning

• Correspondence Online live or blended learning

• Workshops

• Reflective learning

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Programme Purpose

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This programme prepares learners to work safely, ethically, and professionally as Antenatal Birth and Postpartum Doulas.

 

The syllabus emphasises antenatal education, emotional support, safeguarding, duty of care,

trauma-informed practice, and clear professional boundaries.

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Learners will develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to support families

while working alongside maternity and healthcare services.

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Entry Requirements

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• Minimum age: 18 years

• No prior birth work qualification required

• Literacy and communication skills sufficient for reflective practice

• Commitment to ethical practice and safeguarding principlesLearning Outcomes

 

On successful completion, learners will be able to:

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• Explain the role, scope, and ethical framework of the Antenatal Birth Doula.

• Deliver inclusive, evidence-based antenatal and postnatal guidance.

• Support emotional wellbeing using trauma-informed approaches.

• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities and duty of care.

• Identify red flags and initiate appropriate referral pathways.

• Communicate effectively with parents and professionals.

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Practise reflective self-care and professional resilience.

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Unit Structure

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Unit 1: Foundations of Antenatal Doula Practice

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Learning Outcomes:

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• Understand the role and responsibilities of an Antenatal Birth Doula

• Define scope of practice and professional boundaries

 

Assessment Criteria

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• Describe the philosophy and values of doula care

• Differentiate between doula support and clinical care

• Explain ethical responsibilities and boundaries

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Unit 2: Pregnancy Physiology & Fetal Development

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Learning Outcomes:

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• Understand normal physiological changes in pregnancy

• Communicate pregnancy information accurately and clearly

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Assessment Criteria

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• Describe key hormonal and physical changes

• Explain fetal development by trimester

• Identify normal variations vs concerning signs

 

Unit 3: Antenatal Education in Practice

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Learning Outcomes:

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• Deliver structured antenatal Doula Support to parents

• Support informed choice without directing decisions

 

Assessment Criteria:

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• Explain stages of labour and birth options

• Present benefits, risks, and alternatives of interventions

• Produce an antenatal education session plan

 

Unit 4: Emotional & Psychological Support

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Learning Outcomes:

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• Provide emotionally safe, non-judgemental support

• Apply trauma-informed principles

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Assessment Criteria:

• Describe emotional changes in pregnancy

• Demonstrate trauma-informed language and consent

• Recognise signs of antenatal anxiety and distress

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Unit 5: Communication & Relationship Building

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Learning Outcomes:

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• Communicate effectively with families and professionals

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Assessment Criteria:

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• Demonstrate active listening skills

• Use inclusive and culturally sensitive language

• Manage difficult or sensitive conversations appropriately

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Unit 6: Duty of Care & Professional Accountability

Learning Outcomes:

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• Practise within legal and ethical duty of care

 

Assessment Criteria:

• Explain consent and informed choice

• Describe risk management and referral responsibilities

• Demonstrate understanding of insurance and accountability

 

Unit 8: Red Flags & Referral Pathways

 

Learning Outcomes

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• Identify situations requiring escalation or referral

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Assessment Criteria:

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• Identify physical, emotional, and safeguarding red flags

• Explain appropriate referral actions

• Maintain accurate, professional records

 

Unit 9: Partner & Family Support

 

Learning Outcomes:

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• Support partners and family systems

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Assessment Criteria:

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• Explain partner roles during pregnancy and birth preparation

• Demonstrate inclusive family-centred support approachesUnit 10: Professional Resilience & Reflective Practice

 

Learning Outcomes:

• Maintain wellbeing and professional sustainability

 

Assessment Criteria

• Demonstrate reflective practice skills

• Identify strategies to prevent burnout

• Recognise the importance of supervision and peer support

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Certification

Learners who successfully complete all units and assessments will be awarded the Accredited Certificate in Birth & Postnatal Doula Practice.

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This syllabus is designed to align with professional accreditation frameworks and may be mapped to recognised awarding bodies upon request.