What organization did you choose?

Tiffany · 06-11-2005, 08:05 AM

There seem to be many out there now, with the originals being DONA, CAPPA and ALACE. I'm recently seeing a lot of Childbirth International.. so how did you decide which training and certifying organization to become a doula through?

06-16-2005, 06:01 PM

I'm currently waiting for my certification through Childbirth International also, I picked them because they made the most sense to me. I like the groups philosophy. I'm also a nursing mom so being at a weekend cram session wasn't something I could do. I feel like I've gotten a more rounded approach anyway not trying to cram everything into one weekend. Just my own opinion though.

Milissa

Tiffany · 06-17-2005, 10:06 AM

Three years ago when I had first learned of doulas, the only organization I knew about at the time was DONA and I knew there was a training going on at a local hospital by a doula group here in town. I signed up and it was a great training.

If I had the money, I would take a weekend workshop for every certifying doula organization because I'd love to see how different (or not different) they actually teach. Plus, I think because doulas are not fully immersed in their work by only taking on a couple clients a month or here and there, that having the information repeated to me over time would greatly benefit me. I'm definately looking to take a refresher or another org's training before September.

DL · 06-17-2005, 01:58 PM

I had mainly compared CAPPA & DONA (wasn't familiar with other organizations at that time). I went with CAPPA for a few different reasons:

1. A DONA certified doula friend of mine recommended that I check CAPPA out.

2. The price was right; at that time, it seemed to be the most economical for me.

3. There is a Doula/CBE in my state that is both a DONA Birth Doula trainer and a CAPPA Labor Doula trainer. Although some of the cert. steps were different, she stated that the trainings for both organizations are pretty much the same and didn't recommend one over the other.

4. While visiting family in Georgia a couple of years ago, a CAPPA Doula training was offered just 20 minutes down the road from me. The trainer was Tracy Wilson Peters herself--- Co-Founder, Co-Executive Director of CAPPA & Co-writer of the training manual. I couldn't pass up the opportunity! Tracy was great; I enjoyed her class very much!!!

capandcradle · 07-04-2005, 06:45 PM

Dear Tiffany, I've been providing labor support since before there was an organized "doula" field. :-)

ALACE, previously Informed Homebirth and Parenting, and a group called NACA, or "National Association of Childbirth Assistants", had the first "childbirth assistant" or professional labor coach training of my recollection. There are probably others who predate those.

There were a whole bunch of local childbirth educator groups providing labor support workshops. When ICEA quit offering group memberships that was the end of many of these groups.

DONA, CAPPA, ALACE fill a niche and a need; and some of the nurse-specific groups have more members than some of the "names" we all know.

When choosing who to certify with, look closely at their 1. scope of practice. If you are also a midwife, massage therapist or other practitioner you may find the group's scope too restrictive. 2. reputation. Ask VERY pointed questions. 3. Ask to see the detail of the objectives and outline of trainings and workshops. Some may be duplicative and I've seen them that are nebulous and poorly done. Ask for a schedule. If the training offers nursing hours, ICEA or Lamaze contact hours, that is always a good sign.

Finally, don't discount the local-centric workshops and groups. Our local group was founded in 1971, decades before DONA, CAPPA, and some others, and teaches through a local school of nursing, although one does not have to be a nurse to attend. (The doula training is reciprocal through DONA and has been for years now.)

Warmly,
Anne

Tiffany · 07-04-2005, 11:27 PM

Wow, Anne... I would have never known! I am very new considering I did my training in 2002. I haven't done too much research into the history of certifying doula organizations.

You posted some excellent information that I hope a lot of people see! Thanks for that.

Kachina · 08-02-2005, 11:50 PM

This question was just recently posted on our CAPPA forum and this was my response:

"When I chose CAPPA it was because they WEREN'T as well known as DONA. It was like I had found this interesting rock that so many had missed while being swept away by the sparkle of the diamond. But, if they had taken the time to look closer they would have seen that the interesting rock encompassed many different colors and surfaces. And with each layer the rock became brighter and more amazing until the core was exposed. And there the true meaning of “precious stone” emerged. CAPPA is about Education, Encouragement, Empowerment and Unity in everything they do and stand for!!!!!!!!!!! They treat their members with respect and praise and make it easy to certify in more than one area. I am extremely happy with my decision to become a CAPPA Labor Doula and wear my initials proudly."

Tiffany · 08-03-2005, 12:42 AM

Very nicely said Kachina!

raspberrymoondoula · 08-03-2005, 01:42 PM

i chose ALACE because i liked that they support the midwifery model of childbirth, a very natural earthy approach, and i liked that the workshop offered some hands on training even tho certification does not cover using the hands on aspects unless you've gotten more training else where. it was a nice introduction tho.

tlcdoula · 08-09-2005, 01:37 PM

In all honesty I started by looking online at all the different groups, and then started looking for local trainings. I wasn't quite sure which group to go with, but considering DONA was the only group in my area or even remotely close to me with trainings that is who I went with. From there I decided to dual certify with CAPPA and then joined several more of CAPPA's certification programs.

So I guess you could say I chose based upon what was closed to me training wise.

loveslabor · 09-14-2005, 03:03 AM

They don't make you use their training courses. Training course sponsors can get approval to be a recognized training course, OR you (the doula in training) can do a whole bunch of paperwork and pay a $25 fee and have ICEA consider a training course that you have already taken to count toward your certification.

I am taking Heart and Hands Intensives for my midwifery training and through ICEA, they will qualify for my doula and CBE certifications as well.

--Amanda

miraclesofbirth · 09-14-2005, 07:32 AM

I won a scholarship through them this past April. At the time money was to tight and I wasn't able to travel anywheres for the "weekends" I applied for a scholarship and was lucky enough to get one.
Eventually I would like to do additional training through either Cappa or dona or alace just to have that extra after my name (I figure in this field you can never know to much LOL) anyways thats my story

BOBBI

tlcdoula · 09-14-2005, 11:48 AM

3. There is a Doula/CBE in my state that is both a DONA Birth Doula trainer and a CAPPA Labor Doula trainer.

I am curious how she can be a trainer for both, because as a CAPPA trainer I could have sworn we are told we cannot train for other groups. Hmmmm, guess that is something I will have to check into.

DL · 09-15-2005, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlcdoula

3. There is a Doula/CBE in my state that is both a DONA Birth Doula trainer and a CAPPA Labor Doula trainer.

I am curious how she can be a trainer for both, because as a CAPPA trainer I could have sworn we are told we cannot train for other groups. Hmmmm, guess that is something I will have to check into.

Hey Michelle....

Actually, there were two ladies near me who did this: Connie Livingston and Sandy Dennedy. (Big names in the doula world and highly respected...I bet that you either personally know them or at least know of them). Didn't they team teach CAPPA trainings? After I posted that, I've since found out that neither of them are with CAPPA any longer, though (not sure why, but that's not my business to know, I guess....).

*Please understand, I'm not fishin' for gossip... That wouldn't be appropriate of me, and I don't want to come across as doing so.

Just letting you know why I posted what I did, when I did!

tlcdoula · 09-15-2005, 10:20 AM

Honestly I have never heard of either of them (sorry). I am guessing that they aren't with CAPPA anymore because they probably needed to choose a group to train through, because many groups won't allow their trainers to train for more than one group. At least that is what I was told.