Pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period can be a transformative experience for both the mother and the family. In this sensitive time, the support provided by professionals like birth doulas is crucial in ensuring a smooth and empowering journey. The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Birth Doula and Maternity Care offers an opportunity for individuals to gain specialized skills and knowledge to support mothers during labour, childbirth, and the postnatal period. This course is designed for those who are passionate about supporting families through this significant life event and are seeking to enhance their qualifications and expertise in maternity care.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Birth Doula and Maternity Care is an accredited qualification aimed at individuals wishing to pursue a career as a birth doula or further their understanding of maternity care. A birth doula plays a vital role in providing physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth. This course offers comprehensive training on how to guide expectant mothers through their pregnancy, labour, delivery, and postnatal period, ensuring they feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout.
A birth doula provides invaluable assistance to expectant mothers by offering non-medical support during pregnancy, labour, and after childbirth. Research has shown that the presence of a doula can reduce the need for pain relief, decrease the length of labour, and improve the overall birth experience. Doulas not only help mothers with pain management techniques but also provide emotional reassurance and encouragement. As more people seek personalized, holistic care during pregnancy and childbirth, the demand for trained birth doulas continues to rise.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Birth Doula and Maternity Care provides a comprehensive, accredited training programme that prepares you to support mothers during one of the most significant life events. Whether you are just starting your career or looking to expand your expertise, this course will give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in the field of maternity care. With a strong focus on practical skills, emotional support, and collaboration with healthcare professionals, this course enables you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of mothers and families.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Birth Doula and Maternity Care
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Birth Doula and Maternity Care (3 Hours)
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a birth doula in the maternity care process.
- Learn about the scope of practice and professional boundaries for a birth doula.
- Explore the importance of emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labour, and the postnatal period.
- Gain insight into the key qualities and skills needed to be an effective birth doula.
Pregnancy: Physical and Emotional Changes (6 Hours)
- Recognise the physical changes that occur during pregnancy and their impact on a mother’s well-being.
- Understand the emotional challenges and psychological changes mothers may experience during pregnancy.
- Learn how to provide support to expectant mothers through various pregnancy stages.
- Gain knowledge of common complications during pregnancy and how to address them in a supportive way.
Labour and Birth: Understanding the Process (4 Hours)
- Understand the stages and processes of labour and delivery, including early labour, active labour, and the birth process.
- Learn the signs of labour and when to seek medical intervention.
- Gain knowledge of various labour positions and techniques to support comfort and progress.
- Develop an understanding of the birth process from both the mother’s and baby’s perspectives.
Pain Management Techniques (5 Hours)
- Learn about different pain relief options available during childbirth, including medical and non-medical methods.
- Understand the benefits and limitations of each pain management technique.
- Gain practical skills in supporting mothers with non-pharmacological pain relief techniques such as breathing exercises, relaxation, and massage.
- Develop the ability to provide emotional support and comfort to mothers during painful labour stages.
Supporting the Birth Team (3 Hours)
- Understand the roles of various professionals in the birth team, such as midwives, obstetricians, and nurses.
- Learn how to collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals to ensure the best care for the mother.
- Develop skills to communicate and work alongside the birth team to provide holistic support.
- Understand the importance of advocating for the mother’s birth preferences while respecting the birth team’s guidance.
Postnatal Care: Supporting the New Mother (4 Hours)
- Gain knowledge of the physical and emotional changes that occur after childbirth.
- Learn how to support the new mother with postnatal recovery, including physical care and mental health.
- Understand the challenges mothers face in the early postnatal period, including managing fatigue, bonding with the baby, and adjusting to new routines.
- Learn how to provide emotional and practical support to new mothers during the postnatal stage.
Breastfeeding Support and Education (5 Hours)
- Understand the benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and the baby.
- Learn about common breastfeeding challenges and how to support mothers in overcoming them.
- Gain practical knowledge of proper latch, positioning, and techniques for successful breastfeeding.
- Develop the ability to educate and provide guidance to mothers on breastfeeding techniques and issues like sore nipples, engorgement, and low milk supply.
- Comprehensive Knowledge of Maternity Care
This course provides a thorough understanding of the entire maternity process, from pregnancy through postnatal care, equipping participants with essential knowledge to support mothers through each stage. - Enhanced Skills for Birth Support
Participants will develop practical skills in supporting mothers during pregnancy, labour, and postnatal periods. These skills include pain management techniques, emotional support, and providing guidance for breastfeeding. - Accredited Qualification
Completing this diploma provides a recognised, accredited qualification, enhancing your professional profile and increasing your credibility as a birth doula or maternity care professional. - Empowerment of Expectant Mothers
The course focuses on how to provide empowering support to mothers, helping them feel informed, confident, and in control of their birthing experience. Doulas trained through this course contribute to a positive and empowering birth experience. - Practical Experience and Collaboration with Healthcare Teams
Learn how to work alongside healthcare professionals such as midwives and obstetricians, ensuring seamless collaboration during labour and delivery, resulting in optimal care for the mother and child. - Support for Postnatal Recovery
Participants will gain the skills to offer vital support in the postnatal period, including physical recovery, mental health, and breastfeeding guidance, ensuring the mother’s overall well-being after birth. - Improved Career Opportunities
The diploma opens up diverse career paths, such as working as a birth doula, maternity support worker, or in other maternity care roles, enhancing your employment opportunities in the rapidly growing field of maternity care. - Cultural Competency and Sensitivity
Participants will learn how to provide culturally sensitive care, ensuring that diverse families receive the appropriate support, respecting their backgrounds and preferences during pregnancy and childbirth. - Personal and Professional Growth
Through this course, participants will grow both personally and professionally by learning valuable skills that foster confidence, empathy, and effective communication in maternity care, making a lasting difference in families’ lives. - Increased Demand for Birth Doulas
As more families seek personalised, holistic maternity care, the demand for trained birth doulas continues to rise. This course provides the knowledge and expertise needed to meet that demand and support the growing interest in doula-assisted births.
- Aspiring Birth Doulas
This course is ideal for individuals who are passionate about supporting expectant mothers and their families during pregnancy, labour, and the postnatal period. It provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to become a qualified birth doula. - Healthcare Professionals
Midwives, nurses, obstetricians, and other healthcare professionals can benefit from this course by expanding their understanding of the role of birth doulas in maternity care and improving their ability to provide holistic support to mothers. - Childbirth Educators
If you are involved in teaching expectant parents about childbirth, this course will deepen your understanding of the birth process, helping you provide more comprehensive and empathetic guidance to parents-to-be. - Mental Health and Counselling Professionals
Mental health professionals and counsellors, particularly those working with pregnant women or new mothers, will find this course beneficial in supporting the emotional well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. - Social Workers
Social workers who support families or mothers in need of additional care and support will find this course valuable. It provides essential knowledge on how to assist families through the challenges of childbirth and early parenting. - Family Support Workers
Those working in family support or community outreach roles can benefit from this course by learning how to provide more effective, compassionate assistance to mothers and families during their maternity journey. - Parents and Caregivers
Parents, especially those planning to support other mothers or planning to become a doula themselves, can gain insight into the process of childbirth, the role of a doula, and how to provide support during pregnancy and postnatal care. - Individuals Pursuing a Career in Maternity Support
This course is perfect for those looking to start or transition into a career in maternity care, such as working as a birth doula, postpartum doula, or maternity support worker. - Community-Based Health and Education Professionals
Community workers or educators who provide prenatal education or health services in local communities will find this course useful in enhancing their skills to support families during pregnancy and childbirth. - Anyone Passionate About Supporting Families
If you are passionate about supporting expectant mothers and ensuring positive birth experiences, this course will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide meaningful and valuable assistance to families during this critical life stage.
