Doula UK

Overview:

Profession(s): Doulas, Birth Partners, Birth Companions
Scope: National - United Kingdom
Formed: 2001
Members: 185
Address: PO Box 26678, London, N14 4WB, UK
Phone: 0871 433 3103
Email: info@doula.org.uk
Website: www.doula.org.uk

Description:

Doula UK is a network of doulas run voluntarily by doulas. The network started in February 2001 and it is a non-profitmaking organisation. We offer (free access) a nationwide list of doulas.

Mission/Aims:

Our aims are to promote the role of doulas, to improve communication between doulas, and to advance our understanding of birth and the postnatal period. Our network has a Philosophy, sets standards and has a Code of Practice which all members adhere to. At the beginning of 2004, we introduced a "Recognition Process" for doulas in the UK where we have established a distinction between doulas who have simply registered with us, and those who are "recognised" as having attained a particular level of learned skills and experience.

Principal Activities:

Support doulas throughout the UK.
Offer a recognition process to experienced and trained doulas.
Offer a recognition programme for doula courses.
Offer a FREE list to parents of doulas all over the UK.

Member Benefits:

Newsletter (3 times a year)
Appear on our Find a Doula pages
Access to a private on-line forum for doulas
Invitation at reduced rates to study days
Professionally designed and produced leaflet (to purchase)
Regular e-mails from Doula UK
Access to a regional group of doulas
Access to the members section of the Doula UK website

Training/Licensing/Certification:

Doula UK has produced a core curriculum for courses that wish to train doulas. All the courses listed on the Doula UK websites are recognised and have been assessed by Doula UK. To become a Doula UK member, a doula must have attended a Doula UK recognised course.

Affiliations:

Partner Associations:
DONA (Doulas of North America)

Verification Criteria:

Recognition status with Doula UK