Get Certified as a Labour Doula

 

Overview

In order for candidates to be eligible for CAPPA certification they must sign and agree to the CAPPA philosophy, code of conduct, scope of practice, and grievance policy. We reserve the right to withhold certification to those candidates that do not meet the requirements set forth. We also reserve the right to withhold certification based on all contact with candidates for certification, including, but not limited to phone calls, e-mails, and certification materials. An understanding of CAPPA standards of professionalism, our scope of practice, and code of conduct must be demonstrated by candidates at all times and in all communications. Failure to demonstrate an understanding of the aforementioned may result in CAPPA withholding certification. This is rare.

While 92% of candidates do obtain certification, CAPPA cannot guarantee certification will be obtained by entering our program. In the event a candidate fails to pass certification requirements, the candidate has up to one year to complete the failed portions of the certification requirements. There will be no further processing fees. The candidate who exceeds one year to complete the aforementioned portions of certification may be asked to re-enter the certification program and may incur additional fees.

Please allow approximately six weeks for CAPPA to grade and process your certification materials* once we receive them. CAPPA receives a high volume of certification requests, and each certification request is given individual attention. Upon successful completion of any of the CAPPA certification programs, you will receive a CAPPA name tag and a certificate. CAPPA certified labour doulas may use the letters "CLD" after their names.

You must be at least 18 years old to certify with CAPPA.

* When submitting your certification materials, please do not send originals.

What is a Labour Doula?

A doula is a person who attends the birthing family before, during, and just after the birth of the baby. The certified doula is trained to deliver emotional support from home to hospital, ease the transition into the hospital environment, and be there through changing hospital shifts and alternating provider schedules. The doula serves as an advocate, labour coach, and information source to give the mother and her partner the added comfort of additional support throughout the entire labour. There are a variety of titles used by women offering these kinds of services such as "birth assistant," "labour support specialist" and "doula".

What Does a Doula Do?

The following is a general description of what you might expect from a CAPPA certified labour doula. Typically, doulas meet with the parents in the second or third trimester of the pregnancy to get acquainted and to learn about prior birth experiences and the history of this pregnancy. She may help you develop a birth plan, teach relaxation, visualization, and breathing skills useful for labour. Most importantly, the doula will provide comfort, support, and information about birth options.

A doula can help the woman to determine pre-labour from true labour and early labour from active labour. At a point determined by the woman in labour, the doula will come to her and assist her by:

  • Helping her to rest and relax
  • Providing support for the woman's partner
  • Encouraging nutrition and fluids in early labour
  • Assisting her in using a variety of helpful positions and comfort measures
  • Constantly focus on the comfort of both the woman and her partner
  • Helping the environment to be one in which the woman feels secure and confident
  • Providing her with information on birth options

A doula works cooperatively with the health care team. In the event of a complication, a doula can be a great help in understanding what is happening and what options the family may have. The doula may also help with the initial breastfeeding and in preserving the privacy of the new family during the first hour after birth.

Traditional Certification

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a Member  of CAPPA. All CAPPA certified professionals are required to maintain continuous membership. A lapse in your CAPPA membership will result in a $50.00 reinstatement fee and all overdue membership dues must be paid. CAPPA certified professionals who let their membership lapse more than 120 days must pay a $100.00 reinstatement fee plus all past due membership dues. In order for CAPPA to issue a certificate of certification or recertification you must have a minimum of 120 days remaining on your current CAPPA membership. If you have less than 120 days remaining on your membership you will need to renew prior to your certificate being issued.
  • Enter certification program by purchasing the labour doula certification packet, available in our shop. You can also purchase your certification packet at the training.
  • Read five books from the Required Reading List.
  • Attend a local breastfeeding class. Proof of attendance is required. Include a detailed outline of what was taught and a summary of what you learned.
  • Attend a CAPPA-approved Labour Doula Training Workshop
  • Complete the pre-workshop study guide and bring it to the training.
  • Pass a test on basic labour doula skills and knowledge. The test is an open book test and the answer sheet must be submitted with your final certification. An 85% passing grade is required.
  • Attend a childbirth education class. The class must be taught by a certified childbirth educator (proof required), and you must write a short synopsis of what you learned.
  • Attend three labours/births as a doula. Submit copies of good evaluations from the parents, from a doctor or midwife, and from a nurse from each birth. (There should be a total of 3 evaluations for each birth.) These births must be attended after the CAPPA labour doula training.

Distance Certification

This program was designed for the many women who are unable to attend a doula training. The program offers in-home training with the use of a professionally produced DVD series version of a CAPPA labour doula training workshop. The DVD series is approximately 9 hours in length. Each participant will also receive the labour doula training manual and the certification packet.

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a Member   of CAPPA. All CAPPA certified professionals are required to maintain continuous membership. A lapse in your CAPPA membership will result in a $50.00 reinstatement fee and all overdue membership dues must be paid. CAPPA certified professionals who let their membership lapse more than 120 days must pay a $100.00 reinstatement fee plus all past due membership dues. In order for CAPPA to issue a certificate of certification or recertification you must have a minimum of 120 days remaining on your current CAPPA membership. If you have less than 120 days remaining on your membership you will need to renew prior to your certificate being issued.
  • Read five books from the Required Reading List.
  • Attend a local breastfeeding class. Proof of attendance is required. Include a detailed outline of what was taught and a summary of what you learned.
  • Purchase the doula training DVD series, labour doula manual, and certification packet from CAPPA, all of which are available in our shop. The DVDs were professionally taped at a real labour doula workshop and are approximately 9 hours long. Participants will have their manual with them while watching and page numbers will be on the DVD screen.
  • View the DVDs which includes Labour Support: A Comfort Guide (included with Distance Package) and Gentle Birth Choices (This DVD can be purchased here in our shop).
  • Pass the test on basic labour doula skills and knowledge included in your packet. The test is an open book test and the answer sheet must be submitted with your final certification. An 85% passing grade is required.
  • Attend three labours/births as a doula. Submit copies of good evaluations from the parents, from a doctor or midwife, and from a nurse from each birth. (There should be a total of 3 evaluations for each birth.) These births must be attended after the CAPPA labour doula training. Include a summary of the births that includes what happened, what you did, what you would do differently and what you learned.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation from a certified labour doula, certified childbirth educator, certified lactation educator, certified postpartum doula, certified antepartum doula, midwife, obstetrician, or lactation consultant (IBCLC).
  • Complete one essay and one research paper on two of the topics included in the certification packet. Each should be a minimum of six pages double spaced, typed with 1" margins.
  • Attend and observe a CAPPA approved local childbirth education series. Series must be taught by a certified childbirth educator and must be at least 10 hours in length. Proof of attendance and a summary of what you learned are required.

Dual Certification

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a Member  of CAPPA. All CAPPA certified professionals are required to maintain continuous membership. A lapse in your CAPPA membership will result in a $50.00 reinstatement fee and all overdue membership dues must be paid. CAPPA certified professionals who let their membership lapse more than 120 days must pay a $100.00 reinstatement fee plus all past due membership dues. In order for CAPPA to issue a certificate of certification or recertification you must have a minimum of 120 days remaining on your current CAPPA membership. If you have less than 120 days remaining on your membership you will need to renew prior to your certificate being issued.
  • Purchase the labour doula dual certification/certification transfer program (Track 1 or Track 2), available in our shop.
  • Submit proof of current certification from an approved labour doula certification program.
  • Read 3 books from the Required Reading List.
  • Pass a test on basic labour doula skills and knowledge. The test is an open book test and the answer sheet must be submitted with your final certification. An 85% passing grade is required.
  • Submit a 300-500 word essay on CAPPA's labour doula scope of practice.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation or evaluation forms from previous labour doula clients. Evaluations and letters must be within the last two years.

Are You Doula Material?

Not everyone is “doula material”. Many women love birth and have the knowledge required, but are still unable to be a good doula.  Some people believe that to be a good doula you must have given birth yourself.  There are many childless doulas with wonderful skills and very kind and caring hearts.  Sometimes they find doula work easier than others as they have fewer commitments than women with children.  

What, then, makes a good doula?  One of the most important qualities of a good doula is the ability to put aside her own feelings about what is a "good birth" and support the mother and her partner in their decisions. This is not always easy, especially when we see women making choices that we know will lead to a highly interventive birth. It is essential that doulas do not push their own feelings on expectant parents.  

Another important quality is a caring and compassionate heart. It is also important that the doula have physical strength, good listening skills, a calm demeanor, and a good knowledge of childbirth. A person who has too many personal problems does not make a good doula. It is important when supporting a woman during labour and birth that the doula is not distracted by her own problems. A good doula must be able to tolerate long periods with no sleep, she must be able to live an on-call lifestyle, and if she has children, she will need on-call childcare. She must also be able to handle conflict with a level head and a professional demeanor. 

Birth is fascinating and the concept of having a job that puts one around it on a regular basis is intriguing to many.  Unfortunately, there is a price that comes with living the life of a doula, and a good doula must be willing to “count the cost” to her lifestyle, emotions, and family.

   Labour Doula Studies And Statistics

Studies have shown that women supported by a doula during labour have:

       50% reduction in the cesarean rate

      25% shorter labour

      60% reduction in epidural requests

      40% reduction in oxytocin use

      30% reduction in analgesia use

      40% reduction in forceps delivery

 

WOMEN FIND DOULAS HELPFUL DURING LABOUR

WASHINGTON, DC --

 Women who had doulas present during labour had significantly less epidural use and were more likely to rate the birth experience as positive than women who did not, according to a study in the March issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Doulas provide praise, reassurance, comfort, and companionship to women in labour. Researchers at Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program in Northern California followed 314 randomly selected patients aged 18 years and older between May 1994 and December 1996. Of these patients, 149 had doulas and 145 did not.

 Women were randomly assigned to either the doula group or the usual-care group. Women assigned to the usual-care group received no special treatment. Telephone interviews were conducted with the women four to six weeks postpartum.

Of the women with doulas, 54% had an epidural compared to 66% of those in the usual-care group. Regarding their perceptions of the birth experience, a greater percentage of the doula group had a more positive view: 82% rated the birth experience as positive compared to only 67% of the usual-care group. Nearly 47% felt they coped very well compared to 28%; 58% felt labour had a very positive effect on their feelings as women compared to 44%; and 58% felt labour had a very positive effect on their perception of their bodies' strength and performance compared to 41%. The study found no significant difference in rates of cesarean, vaginal forcep or vacuum delivery, oxytocin use, and postpartum depression. During the follow-up interview, 96% of the women who had doulas and 66% of those in the usual-care group were interested in having a doula for their next birth.

  Required Reading List

Required reading for CAPPA Canada Labour Doula program

 Certification candidates must read the CAPPA Canada Labour Doula Manual  (provided at the workshop) and must choose a MINIMUM of any five books from the list below. Extra reading is always highly recommended.

 If you have read/would like to read a book for certification purposes and it is not on this reading list, please contact the CAPPA Canada Office at info@cappacanada.ca for approval.

 Please have at least 2 of the following books completed prior to the workshop.

 These 2  books: 

1.     The Doula Book by Klaus, Klaus, and Kennell

 2.     The Labour Progress Handbook by Penny Simkin

 From the following, choose one:

 1.     Nurturing Touch at Birth by Paulina Perez

 2.     A Good Birth, A Safe Birth by Diane Korte and Roberta Scaer

 3.     Special Women: The Role of the Professional Labour Assistant by Paulina Perez 

From the following , choose one:

 1.     Dr. Jack Newman’s Guide to Breastfeeding, by Dr Jack Newman and Teresa Pitman

 2.     The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins

 3.     The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International

 4.     The Breastfeeding Answer Book 3rd Edition, by La Leche League International 

From the following, choose one:

 1.     Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Simkin, Whalley, and Keppler

 2.     The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Shelia Kitzinger

 3.     The Birth Book by William and Martha Sears

 4.     The Mother of all Pregnancy Books, by Ann Douglas

 And any of the following:

 1.     Cesarean Birth and VBAC by Elizabeth Kaufman

 2.     The VBAC Companion by Diana Korte

 3.     Silent Knife by Nancy Wainer Cohen & Lois J. Estner

 4.     Home Birth and other alternatives to hospital by Shelia Kitzinger

 5.     Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper

 6.     Obstetric Myths vs. Research Realities by Henci Goer

 7.     The Thinking Woman’s Guide To a Better Birth- by Henci Goer

 8.     Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, by Ina May Gaskin

 9.     The Breastfeeding Atlas 2nd edition, by Barbara Wilson-Clay and Kay Hoover

 10.  When Hello Means Goodbye by Kirk and Schwiebert

 11.  When a Baby Dies by Limbo and Wheeler

 12.  Pregnancy and Birth: The Best Evidence by Joyce Barrett and Teresa Pitman

 13.  Pregnancy and Birth: Your Questions Answered by Karina Reynolds, Grainne McCartan    and Christoph Lees

 14.  Episiotomy and the Second Stage of Labour by Sheila Kitzinger and Penny Simkin

 These books may be purchased in the CAPPA bookstore (if in stock), any online bookstores such as amazon.ca or chapters.ca, or at a local bookstore, etc.  We also recommend visiting your local library, resource centre of hospital for lending sources. Borrowing these books is also recommended.  Additional Books may be considered for your reading list, please contact CAPPA Canada info@cappacanada.ca for approval.

 

 


 

 

CAPPA Canada Only

This program was designed due to extremely high demand for those doulas who are already trained or certified through another nationally recognized doula certification organization but who wish to become a CAPPA Canada certified labour doula without having to attend another doula training workshop or attend additional certification births. 

Steps to Dual Certification/Certification and Training Transfer certification through CAPPA Canada 

There are two tracks available: 

Track 1 (for those who are not yet certified but have taken a doula training workshop)

 And 

Track 2 (for those who are currently certified as a labour doula through a nationally recognized organization)

  Steps to certification through CAPPA Canada (Track 1) 

1.Be a current member of CAPPA Canada 

(All CAPPA Canada certified professionals are required to maintain continuous membership. A lapse in your CAPPA Canada membership will result in a 50.00 reinstatement fee and all overdue membership dues must be paid. CAPPA Canada certified professionals who let their membership lapse more than 120 days must pay a 100.00 reinstate fee plus all past due membership dues.)

 2.Provide proof of attendance at a doula training workshop within the last two years- taught by another nationally recognized doula certification organization or doula training program approved by CAPPA Canada (copy of training curriculum must also be submitted).

 3.Pay a one time application/processing fee to CAPPA Canada for 160.00 CDN.

With this fee you will also receive:

The CAPPA Canada labour doula manual, Labour Doula test and CAPPA Canada’s videotape (covering topics such as: CAPPA Canada’s philosophy, CAPPA Canada Scope of Practice for Labour Doulas, code of conduct, CAPPA Canada grievance policy, CAPPA Canada vision and mission statements and CAPPA Canada’s certification options and programs.

 4.Read five books from the CAPPA Canada Labour Doula required reading list.

 5.Attend a childbirth education class  (complete series). The class must be taught by a certified childbirth educator (proof required). Write a 500-word summary of what you learned. Class must be a minimum of 12 hours in length.

 6.Attend a local breastfeeding class (ie La Leche League) or breastfeeding consultation as an observer/volunteer with an IBCLC, minimum 4 hours. Proof of attendance required. Include a detailed outline of what was taught and a summary (250-500 words) of what you learned.

 7. Pass a test on labour doula skills and knowledge. This test is an open book test/knowledge assessment which must be submitted with your final certification application.

85% passing grade required.

 8.Submit copies of good evaluations from the parents, doctor/midwife, and the L&D nurse (total of 3 evaluations for each of the 3 births).

Each birth attended MUST begin before or at the onset of active labour, the birth and the IMMEDIATE postpartum period right after the birth.

If a Cesarean birth is attended, it may only be used as one of your 3 births.

In this program only-CAPPA Canada will accept evaluations from other nationally recognized doula certification organizations. 

9.Write a summary of each birth (250-500 words), including a brief description of the labour; the role of the doula at this birth; mother's reaction to the labour and birth; reaction of the medical staff to the doula’s presence; what you  learned from this birth. 

10.Submit 2 letters of recommendation for labour doula certification from a certified labour doula, certified childbirth educator, certified lactation educator, certified postpartum doula, certified antepartum doula, midwife, obstetrician, or lactation consultant (IBCLC). One letter for character reference and the other as a professional reference. 

11.In order for candidates to be eligible for CAPPA Canada certification they must sign and agree to the CAPPA Canada philosophy, code of conduct, scope of practice and grievance policy. 

12.Upon successful completion of any of the CAPPA Canada certification program, you will receive a CAPPA Canada name tag, certificate and the title of CLD (certified labour doula).

You will be required to maintain a current membership with CAPPA Canada and to re-certify every three years. 

13.Submit all of the above to CAPPA Canada -within one year of entering this CAPPA Canada program.

 

Cost for Labour doula-Dual certification and training transfer option program- Track 1 (all fees are CDN): 

CAPPA Canada Annual Membership fee 45.00

One time application and processing fee 160.00

Total cost for this program is 205.00 

*Cost of training workshop and required reading are not included in total price. 

** Entering the CAPPA Canada labour doula certification transfer program does not mean that you will lose your certification from another organization. 

Note: when submitting materials, please do not send originals.

 

Steps to certification through CAPPA Canada  (Track 2) 

1.Be a current member of CAPPA Canada. (All CAPPA Canada certified professionals are required to maintain continuous membership. A lapse in your CAPPA Canada membership will result in a 50.00 reinstatement fee and all overdue membership dues must be paid. CAPPA Canada certified professionals who let their membership lapse more than 120 days must pay a 100.00 reinstate fee plus all past due membership dues.) 

2. Provide proof of current labour doula certification by another nationally recognized doula certification organization. 

3.Pay a one time application/processing fee to CAPPA Canada for 125.00 CDN.

With this fee you will also receive:

The CAPPA Canada labour doula manual, Labour Doula test and CAPPA Canada’s videotape (covering topics such as: CAPPA Canada’s philosophy, CAPPA Canada Scope of Practice for Labour Doulas, code of conduct, CAPPA Canada grievance policy, CAPPA Canada vision and mission statements and CAPPA Canada’s certification options and programs. 

4. Pass a test on labour doula skills and knowledge. This test is an open book test/knowledge assessment which must be submitted with your final certification application. 85% passing grade required.  

5. Submit 2 letters of recommendation for labour doula certification from a certified labour doula, certified childbirth educator, certified lactation educator, certified postpartum doula, certified antepartum doula, midwife, obstetrician, or lactation consultant (IBCLC). One letter for character reference and the other as a professional reference as a Labour Doula. 

6. In order for candidates to be eligible for CAPPA Canada certification they must sign and agree to the CAPPA Canada philosophy, code of conduct, scope of practice and grievance policy. 

7.Upon successful completion of any of the CAPPA Canada certification program, you will receive a CAPPA Canada name tag, certificate and the title of CLD (certified labour doula).

You will be required to maintain a current membership with CAPPA Canada and to re-certify every three years. 

8.Submit all of the above to CAPPA Canada within 1 year of entering this program.  

Cost for Labour doula-Dual certification

transfer option program- Track  2 (all fees are CDN):

 CAPPA Canada Annual Membership fee 45.00

One time application and processing fee 125.00

Total cost for this program is $170.00  

*Cost of training workshop and required reading are not included in total price. 

** Entering the CAPPA Canada labour doula certification transfer program does not mean that you will lose your certification from another organization. 

Note: when submitting materials, please do not send originals.

 Certification Results Policy:

Application process will take approximately 4-6 weeks for CAPPA Canada to grade and process your certification materials once received. CAPPA Canada receives a high volume of certification requests. CAPPA Canada will contact you by letter or email within that time frame once your application has been reviewed.

In the event a candidate fails to pass certification requirements, the candidate has up to one (1) year to complete the failed portions of the certification requirements. There will be no further processing fees. The candidate who exceeds one (1) year to complete the aforementioned portions of certification may be asked to reenter the certification program and may incur additional fees. 

FAQ

Why would one want to be certified through CAPPA Canada when they are already certified or trained through another organization? 

Why would one want to be certified through CAPPA Canada when they are already certified or trained through another organization? 

CAPPA Canada membership and certification has many benefits. Every nationally recognized organization requires re-certification, at CAPPA Canada we make this affordable. CAPPA Canada is the only organization to offer its members a FREE annual conference. Our conference receives great reviews each year by our members. By offering this free conference our members can re-certify without the costly expense of paying to attend a conference to obtain their required CEUS. 

By becoming certified with CAPPA Canada you will receive referrals from our web site, and our toll free number. 

CAPPA Canada is one the most respected and sought after certifications available for childbirth professionals. 

CAPPA Canada is known among our members offering exceptional support and resource assistance. 

CAPPA Canada is the only organization to offer training and certification for labour doulas, postpartum doulas, antepartum doulas, childbirth educators and lactation educators, teen support and an adoption certification program. CAPPA Canada knows that these roles are connected and many of our members enjoy certification options for more than one profession 

CAPPA Canada

CLD Track 1

Dual Certification Training Transfer Program

 **Please, do not submit originals.

 

q       I have become a member of CAPPA Canada (at workshop or with CAPPA Canada).

q       I have provided proof of attendence at a doula training workshop within the last 2 years.

q       I have submitted the necessary fees for application/processing to CAPPA Canada..

q        I read 5 books from the CAPPA Canada required reading list.

q       I have attended a local childbirth education series as an observer and included a summary of what I learned.

q       I have attended a local breastfeeding class or attended a breastfeeding consultation with an IBCLC and have written a detailed outline of what was taught and what I have learned.

q       I have completed the open book labour doula test/knowledge assessment.

q       I have submitted 3 good evaluations from 3 births (from a doctor/midwife, nurse, and one from the parents). In this program only- CAPPA Canada will accept evaluations form other nationally recognized labour doula certifying organizations.

q       I have included a summary of each of the 3 births.

q       I have submitted 2 letters of recommendation.

q       I have signed and agreed to the CAPPA Canada Code of Conduct, Scope of Practice and Grievance Policy. 

q       I have submitted all the above within 1 year of entering the program.

 

CAPPA Canada

CLD Track 2

Dual Certification Transfer Program

 **Please, do not submit originals.

 

q       I have become a member of CAPPA Canada.

q       I have provided proof of current labour doula certification by another nationally recognized doula certifying organization.

q       I have submitted the necessary fees for application/processing to CAPPA Canada.

q       I have completed the open book labour doula test/knowledge assessment.

q       I have submitted 2 letters of recommendation.

q       I have signed and agreed to the CAPPA Canada Code of Conduct, Scope of Practice and Grievance Policy. 

q       I have submitted all the above within 1 year of entering the program.

 

 


 

Distance Labour Doula Certification

Distance Labour Doula Certification 

This program was designed for the many women who are unable to attend a labour doula training. Anyone can enter this program option if they have a valid reason for not attending a workshop.  

This program offers in home training with the use of a professionally produced video series version of a CAPPA Canada labour doula training workshop. The video series is approximately 9 hours in length. Each participant will also receive the labour doula training manual and the certification packet. 

We recommend the distance program for those who do not have access to a Labour Doula Workshop. However, physically attending a workshop enhances your knowledge and allows you interact and possibly network with others wishing to become Certified Labour Doulas.

Whichever route is best suited for you, CAPPA Canada is always available for questions or as a resource by phone or email. 

Distance program requirements: 

Before entering the CAPPA Canada labour doula distance program, participants should have a basic knowledge of the following:

Anatomy of the female reproductive system and breasts

Physiology of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding

Definitions of medical terms regarding labour

     Medication administration/medical interventions-risks, benefits, alternatives

    Cesarean Births and VBA

    Normal newborn appearance

 

First step:

 Write a letter to the CAPPA Canada Labour Doula Director explaining why you wish to become a CAPPA Canada certified labour doula and why the distance program is best for you.

This letter must also include a cheque or credit card number for $400.00 CDN. This fee includes your CAPPA Canada Labour Doula training videos**, CAPPA Canada Labour Doula manual and Labour Doula certification packet.

Send to: info@cappacanada.ca or by mail to: PO Box 45514, 3151 Strandherd Dr, Ottawa ON, K2J 0P9

 

** CAPPA Canada Labour Doula training video series is approximately 9 hours long and professionally taped during an actual labour doula workshop. Participants are encouraged to read the manual and review will watching the workshop. 

You will have 2 years to complete the program from the time your packet is received.

 

Once accepted and entered into the Distance Program by CAPPA Canada, the following is required:

 

1.  Be a current member of CAPPA Canada in good standing.  

(All CAPPA Canada certified professionals are required to maintain continuous membership. A lapse in your CAPPA Canada membership will result in a 50.00 reinstatement fee and all overdue membership dues must be paid. CAPPA Canada certified professionals who let their membership lapse more than 120 days must pay a 100.00 reinstate fee plus all past due membership dues). 

2. Read five books from the CAPPA Canada required reading list. 

3.. Attend a local breastfeeding class (ie La Leche League) or breastfeeding consultation as an observer/volunteer with an IBCLC, minimum 4 hours. Proof of attendance required. Include a detailed outline of what was taught and a summary (250-500 words) of what you learned. 

4.     Attend a childbirth education class (complete series). The class must be taught by a certified childbirth educator (proof required). Write a 500-word summary of what you learned.

Class must be a minimum of 12 hours in length.

 5. Purchase a set of three required videos that includes Labour Support: A Comfort Guide, Special Women and Gentle Birth Choices. Contact CAPPA Canada for the special rate when purchasing all 3 videos. 

6. Pass a test on labour doula skills and knowledge (included in your certification packet). This test is an open book test/knowledge assessment and your answer sheet must be submitted with your final certification application. 85% passing grade required.  

7.     Attend 3 labours/births as a doula. Submit copies of good evaluations from the parents, doctor/midwife, and the L&D nurse (total of 3 evaluations for each of the 3 births).

These births must be attended after completing the CAPPA Canada labour doula training workshop.  Each birth attended MUST begin before or at the onset of active labour, the birth and the IMMEDIATE postpartum period right after the birth.

If a Cesarean birth is attended, it may only be used as one of your 3 births.

     ****it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced certified doula in your area as a possible mentor for one/all of these 3 births. 

8.     Write a summary of each birth (250-500 words), including a brief description of the labour; the role of the doula at this birth; mother's reaction to the labour and birth; reaction of the medical staff to the doula’s presence; what you learned from this birth. 

 9. Submit 2 letters of recommendation for labour doula certification from a certified labour doula, certified childbirth educator, certified lactation educator, certified postpartum doula, certified antepartum doula, midwife, obstetrician, or lactation consultant (IBCLC). One letter for character reference and the other as a professional reference. 

10. Complete one essay and one research paper on 2 of the topics included in the certification packet. Each should be a minimum of 6 pages double spaced, typed with 1" margins.   

11. In order for candidates to be eligible for CAPPA Canada certification they must sign and agree to the CAPPA Canada philosophy, code of conduct, scope of practice and grievance policy.  

12. Upon successful completion of any of the CAPPA Canada certification programs, you will receive a CAPPA Canada name tag, certificate and the title of CLD (certified labour doula). 

**CAPPA Canada reserves the right to withhold certification to those candidates that do not meet the requirements set forth. CAPPA Canada also reserves the right to withhold certification based on all contact with candidates for certification, including, but not limited to phone calls, e-mails, and certification materials. An understanding of CAPPA Canada standards of professionalism, scope of practice and code of conduct must be demonstrated by candidates at all times and in all communications. Failure to demonstrate an understanding of the aforementioned may result in CAPPA Canada withholding certification.

 

Cost for Distance Certification (all fees in CDN) 

Annual CAPPA Canada Membership fee $45.00

Distance labour doula program (includes video series, manual, and certification packet)$400.00

Certification Processing Fee $75.00*

*Certification Processing Fee is due with submission of Completed Certification Application.

Total cost for CAPPA distance labour doula certification $520.00 (Does not include cost of required reading books)

 

** Please note- EACH person who is seeking labour doula certification through the CAPPA distance labour doula program must buy their own set of doula training tapes (tape sharing is not allowed, therefore tapes and certification packet are mailed together).

 

Certification Results Policy:

Application process will take approximately 4-6 weeks for CAPPA Canada to grade and process your certification materials once received. CAPPA Canada receives a high volume of certification requests. CAPPA Canada will contact you by letter or email within that time frame once your application has been reviewed.

 

***Note: when submitting certification packet, please do not send originals.***

   Many of our trainers are willing to travel to your area and provide trainings. Some do require a minimum amount of participants to travel. Contact CAPPA Canada by email at info@cappacanada.ca if you wish to host a training in your area.

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Frequently Ask Questions:

 1. Who will be able to use this certification option?

We feel that the CAPPA Canada Labour Doula Distance option will make training available to those who have been unable to attend a doula training for various reasons such as, outside the country, military bases, women with children they can't leave, women who can't leave for training because they are on call, and others. By offering this option, MANY more trained and certified doulas will be available.

2. Can someone be a good labour doula without ANY training at all?

  Obviously yes, because doulas were around long before labour doula training workshops. Although, certification will also identify those who have obtained formal training which therefore enhances credibility.

3. Is it better to have more women who obtain certification with the CAPPA Canada Labour Doula distance program rather than no option for those who cannot attend workshops….and having less certified doulas?

 Yes!! The benefits of labour doulas are statistically proven. Providing alternative options for trainings ensures this to occur.

 

 

 

Distance labour doula training testimonials

Distance labour doula training testimonials

 I'm 98% done my distance training. Two letters and the breastfeeding class to go. I should be sending in my certification package next week! I realized I wanted to be a doula following the birth of my son. I had such an amazing experience that I knew birth was the path for me. So, when he was 6 weeks old, I ordered your distance training package.

 With a small baby, having the tapes meant I could go back over a section if I missed it. I can also go back over them at any point should I need a refresher. Four months later, I'm almost done and have already been to the 3 births and have two more coming up in the winter.

 Essentially, the distance training allowed me to train while caring for my baby. I never would have been able to devote so much time to the program if it had been a workshop. I got to watch the section on breastfeeding while breastfeeding my baby!

 I know I am following the right path and am supported 100% by those around me (childcare and such). I am very grateful to CAPPA for providing this training. I found it comprehensive and practical. I would like to attend a live workshop in the future for the interaction, but for my purposes the program has been amazing.

 Thanks again!

 Emily

 Emily Jarvis

Labour Doula - CAPPA Training

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I really enjoyed the Distance Doula Program. It was great. I loved everything about it. I do not feel as if I am lacking much, by not going to a live workshop. I think this was so well done. 

The reason I chose the Distance program, is because I have 2 small kids and a husband, and it was hard for me to get away for a whole weekend. This was a great way to do it. And, the really nice thing is, I could go at my own pace. I also really like the fact that I can go back to it in the future, which I have done. I am watching it for the second time now, as I am trying to complete my open book test for certification. It is great. I have talked to a couple people now, who want to be a Doula but have the same issues that I do and I recommended this program to them also, and they are doing it and love it.

 Stacie Bailey

Aurora IL

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I received my initial doula training through CAPPA's distance learning program, mainly because doula training's were not available in my immediate area at the time, and with three small children (ages 3, 4 and 9) it was difficult to travel for an entire weekend training.

 I am very pleased with the videos that were included with the training. The quality of information given was great. In addition to having the convenience of stopping and starting the videos whenever I needed to, by far, the greatest advantage to having the training on tape is the ability to review unlike anyone attending a training "in real life" is able to do. CAPPA's distance training program is a wonderful investment in your doula career. I highly recommend the program!

 Patti Newton

New Jersey

 

Re-certification information

 Re-certification for all CAPPA Canada certifications must be done every three years from the original date of certification.

 Certified Labour Doula (CLD):   

      1) Maintain continuous membership with CAPPA Canada.     

2) Documentation of 15 hours of continuing education in pregnancy, labour, breastfeeding or postpartum issues approved by CAPPA Canada (contact CAPPA Canada for prior approval).     

3) Submit 3 good evaluations from mothers for whom you have provided labour support in the last 12 months.     

      4) 2 letters of recommendation from any of the following: certified labour doula, certified childbirth educator, certified lactation educator, certified postpartum doula, certified antepartum doula, midwife, obstetrician, or lactation consultant (IBCLC). 

       5) CAPPA Canada CLD Recertification fee: 75.00 CDN 

Submit all of the above to:

CAPPA Canada
PO Box 45514
3151 Strandherd Dr
Ottawa ON K2J 0P9

 

CAPPA Canada maintains a web site listing of all of our CAPPA Canada  members who wish to  have their contact  information made public. This makes it easier for families and  caregivers to locate a CAPPA Canada professional.

CAPPA Canada publishes a newsletter for our members. (Quarterly)

CAPPA Canada is the only organization that trains and certifies childbirth educators, lactation educators, antepartum doulas, labour doulas and postpartum  doulas.

CAPPA Canada offers experienced childbirth educators and labour doulas accelerated certification programs.

CAPPA Canada offers all of its members the education to promote and market their services.

CAPPA Canada places a strong emphasis on marketing and promotion of services.

CAPPA Canada training's have a structured curriculum to ensure the highest quality.

CAPPA Canada has mentors available to speak with you directly about any questions or concerns that you may have.

CAPPA Canada verifies all member evaluations for certification to ensure that all of CAPPA Canada certified professionals maintain the highest level of professional behavior.

CAPPA Canada has professional standards. All CAPPA certified professionals must be in good standing with CAPPA Canada and the families the professionals have serviced.
 

E-mail CAPPA

 

  
 
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