11123NAT – Certificate IV in Doula Support Services

Qualification Overview

By the completion of this course, participants will have developed the skills and knowledge to offer non-medical, physical and emotional support, unbiased information without judgement along with a variety of local resources to prospective parents while trying to conceive, during pregnancy, in childbirth and in the post-natal period.
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The course covers many aspects of conception, pregnancy, the many processes of birth, and the options offered to women both at home and in hospital.
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Also covered are the mechanics of labour, the needs of mother and baby, possible fears and challenges for parents, homebirth, hospital policies and procedures, post-natal issues, breastfeeding and postnatal doula work. There is a focus on fathers and partners and inclusion of siblings and how to work best along-side other health professionals.
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The strong focus on helping clients prepare for an empowering birth, understanding what empowers or disempowers a birthing woman and her partner, and how to help them to bond deeply with their newborn baby.
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The doula is knowledgeable in comfort measures such as relaxation breathing, massage and positioning, managing labour sensations using water, hot packs, and aromas and is skilled in supporting the birthing woman and her partner to meet the challenges of labour and parenting.
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Doulas specialise in non-medical skills and do not perform clinical tasks, such as vaginal exams and fetal heart rate monitoring. Doulas do not diagnose medical conditions, offer second opinions or give medical advice.
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Graduates of this course can work across the landscape of the childbearing continuum as a Doula, Birth Support person, Birth Coach/Companion or a Post-natal Support Service Provider.

The Professional Development Centre (RTO 41475) delivers this training through a formal third-party arrangement with Womb to Tomb Foundation. For more info, visit training.gov.au/41475.


STATEMENT ON UPHOLDING REGULATIONS ON DOULAS OPERATING IN AUSTRALIA
‍Date: 14 November 2025
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Recent media reports on stricter regulation on doula birthing practice has arisen following comments raised by Australian medical and midwifery professional bodies to the Federal government. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and the Australian College of Midwives (ACM) have recently written to the Federal Health Minister to request stricter regulation. The RANZCOG/ACM statement is noted for your reference:
https://ranzcog.edu.au/news/ranzcog-acm-call-on-health-ministers-to-end-freebirth-

The Professional Development Centre (ACDCS) (41475) currently delivers 11123NAT Certificate IV in Doula Support Services, under a third-party arrangement with Womb to Tomb Foundation. 

‍We have a proud history of delivering quality health and community services training products in Australia, with this training product being the only nationally recognised training available for doulas.We will continue with all course delivery, and will keep students informed on any future developments.

Entry Requirements

There are certain prerequisites which must be satisfied before enrolment in this course:
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o Applicants will be required to complete an ACSF language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment

o Students must be aged 18 years and over

Fees & Delivery

For fee information please contact students@acdcs.edu.au

How to Apply

for registration information please contact students@acdcs.edu.au

Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is required for Participants undertaking nationally recognised training (qualifications, accredited courses, skill sets and units of competency) unless exempt.

This includes international Participants studying in Australia. If you don't have a USI you will not receive your qualification or statement of attainment.
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Occupations

The Australian Government through training.gov.au lists this as an appropriate qualification for the following occupations:
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o Doula

Study Pathways

This course contains units of competency from the Community Services Training Package (CHC), Health Training Package (HLT) and Business Services Training Package (BSB). Completion of these units provides pathways into qualifications including these units of competency. Students may be eligible for credit transfer into a range of qualifications within these packages.  

Units of Study

CORE UNITS (12)
There are 12 core units included in the course:

Enterprise units of competency:‍

Training Package Units of Competency‍