My CAPPA Training

scarborogal · 05-08-2006, 02:04 PM

Holy cow, I take my CAPPA training is a month. I have done the reading and a bit more. But I have to fill out this....'exam' sheet. It has tons of questions that I guess I know but I never know how to put it into my own words. I wonder if those that are CAPPA trained could give me a clue as to how detailed I need to be. How stressed should I be about this? I've done the diagram and I've answered a few but I guess I'm kind of nervous because I never seem to find time to do the questions. I have so many irons in the fire right now.(which I wish I didn't)

Calm me down please!!!!

DL · 05-08-2006, 05:43 PM

Is this for Labor Doula, Lactation Educator, or Childbirth Educator training?

I can only speak for the Labor Doula training, so if you're talking about LE training or CBE training, then someone else will need to chime in for sure.

It's been 3 years ago for me, but I'll let you know my experience. We had a Pre-workshop study guide (looked like an exam). It was nothing at all to stress about!!

I think it was mainly their way to encourage us to do some studying and not show up to the training knowing absolutely nothing. Do what you can (get info from your reading, Internet searches, and you can ask us!). If you don't get it finished (either because you can't find an answer and/or run out of time), then don't sweat it.

At my training, most didn't have their's complete, and Tracy (Tracy Wilson-Peters was my trainer) didn't act like it was a big deal at all.

What is really going to matter is your exam that you turn in for certification. For that one, I was pretty detailed with my answers (many answers being a paragraph). Some of the pre-workshop study guide questions are also on the exam.

We have a few CAPPA trainers on here, and some who've recently taken their trainings, so hopefully they'll chime in.

....and CALM DOWN!

You'll love your training!

tlcdoula · 05-08-2006, 05:59 PM

I totally agree with Lori. When I do a training I really like to see that the trainees have attempted to do the pre-workshop study guide, but then again I don't really check it either. I don't know how others look at the study guide, but for me I see it as a guide that is for the trainee. If she puts forth the effort to know the material on the study guide it makes it a little easier for her. Plus seeing someone with a study guide that they worked on makes me feel like that person is really on the ball and really, really wants to be a doula. Not saying those that don't do it don't want to be a doula, but I am totally the overachiever and so when I see them done I see that in a positive light.

On the flip side I have seen people who say they want to be doulas, but don't want to put forth the effort and they take the training thinking doula work is an easy way to make a buck and that they will take on ten clients a month and make $4000 a month only for them to realize that they won't be making money like that and doula work isn't always glamorous and easy.

I know I am NOT explaining that right

MothertheMother · 05-08-2006, 08:09 PM

I signed up for training (also with Tracy) at the last minute so I never even got the exam before hand. I had only read a couple of books (and read countless hours on the net) but I felt really comfortable in the class. I was very concerned that I would feel behind but that wasn't the case at all! You are going to enjoy every minute of training and once you spend about 10 minutes in the room with everyone all of the worry will melt away! Do you best on the exam but don't stress over it. Try setting aside 15 minutes a day to work on it. I bet it will go faster than you think.

capandcradle · 05-08-2006, 08:15 PM

Dear Kimberley, I teach childbirth educator trainees for a local nursing school... can't speak for the doula end of things, but it is helpful if students come into it with some basic knowledge upfront and an open mind. I've never used a pre-workshop questionnaire but believe they can be helpful to gauge your own level of understanding.

I'm with the others, though, go into it expecting to enjoy your time, to connect with the other participants, to learn more than you ever thought possible. Keep us posted, you are going to have a blast!

scarborogal · 05-09-2006, 10:24 AM

Thanks guys. I'm sitting down today with a schedule and trying to put alittle ogranization in my life so I can get this all done. I'm a bit of an overachiever and I think that is why I'm stressing. I've let things get a bit out of control and I'm neglecting the things I'm passionate about. I think because I've been off center lately I'm starting to loose my enjoyment for all this Doula stuff.

But I'm going to get it back.

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

Cheers,

teachinmamaof4 · 05-09-2006, 11:24 AM

You're not the only one stressing!! My training is in July and I have freak-out moments often already.

nocomparta · 05-09-2006, 04:21 PM

The preworkshop guide is just to get you in the frame of mind for the training of learning about birth, it kinda covers some things that the trainer may not want to have to hash out in the training for time's sake. I know Jeanne Moshay in WA requires it to be complete, but she's the only doula trainer I know that is so anal (pardon, thorough) with it. She's always trying to get me to make it a blanket requirement, but I just don't feel it. Anyway, just answer it the best you know how, and you can also do some research to help you out, on the net or in the required reading. It's definitely not something to panic over.

And as far as freak out moments... Don't. Worry isn't good for anything, and once you're in the moment, you'll feel pretty goofy for freaking out. hehe

HTH.

tlcdoula · 05-09-2006, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoulaVal

The preworkshop guide is just to get you in the frame of mind for the training of learning about birth, it kinda covers some things that the trainer may not want to have to hash out in the training for time's sake. I know Jeanne Moshay in WA requires it to be complete, but she's the only doula trainer I know that is so anal (pardon, thorough) with it. She's always trying to get me to make it a blanket requirement, but I just don't feel it. Anyway, just answer it the best you know how, and you can also do some research to help you out, on the net or in the required reading. It's definitely not something to panic over.

And as far as freak out moments... Don't. Worry isn't good for anything, and once you're in the moment, you'll feel pretty goofy for freaking out. hehe

HTH.

Honestly Val I wish it was mandatory as well because so many times we see people come into this career without truly thinking about it and then they complain when they are done that it wasn't what they expected. I know that really isn't the trainers problem, but I think having a certain level of preparedness (hmmm, don't think that is a word LOL) can benefit them in many ways. Just my two cents.

capandcradle · 05-09-2006, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlcdoula

Honestly Val I wish it was mandatory as well because so many times we see people come into this career without truly thinking about it and then they complain when they are done that it wasn't what they expected. I know that really isn't the trainers problem, but I think having a certain level of preparedness (hmmm, don't think that is a word LOL) can benefit them in many ways. Just my two cents.

You know, though, midwifery is similar in many ways too. The long hours in the middle of the night, the zero status, the low pay, the derision by medical staff. I've mentioned that the doula trainer in Birmingham has been training doulas since 1996 and out of all her trainees less than a handful are doing any sort of doula-ing. Likewise I've seen many take a brief foray into midwifery too, before discovering it isn't for them.

Sure having some knowledge and understanding upfront is beneficial --grant you that :-)

nocomparta · 05-09-2006, 10:41 PM

I just don't see how we can make it mandatory when a lot of doulas don't buy their cert packet til at or after the training. And with the two-year time limit after the cert packet purchase, most trainers even suggest they should put off the purchase of the cert packet til they are well into their requirements. Although I do make it available electronically to the trainers and some of them send it to students before the training. So it really is up to the trainer whether to make it mandatory.

tlcdoula · 05-10-2006, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoulaVal

I just don't see how we can make it mandatory when a lot of doulas don't buy their cert packet til at or after the training. And with the two-year time limit after the cert packet purchase, most trainers even suggest they should put off the purchase of the cert packet til they are well into their requirements. Although I do make it available electronically to the trainers and some of them send it to students before the training. So it really is up to the trainer whether to make it mandatory.

Hmmm, I thought we were supposed to give it to them when they signed up for a training LOL. I have always either e-mailed or sent via snail mail to my trainees. I guess I hadn't thought that it is in the cert packet

heathenmamaof5 · 05-10-2006, 02:06 PM

My CLE training took place in Modesto recently. So coming from an "outsider" this may help. I like the pre-workshop strudy guide. It had you using diferefent recources (books, publications, Riordans book, etc.) I felt this was good as it showed the participants that there is a lot out there. For me the Pre work study guide, was just that, it was mfairly easy and gave me something firm to stand on when speaking in class.

Jusy my

scarborogal · 05-11-2006, 02:52 PM

I chose the CAPPA training because of the background that was needed. I kind of chose it for the pre-work that needed to be done. I thought if I can get through that then I will follow through with the training. I think my problem is that when I signed up for the training I was gunho and had lots of time on my hands but in the mean time, I've got more kids at my daycare, I've become a Lovable Labels agent and I work part-time at night. I think I'm scared because I have so much on my plate and I'm worried I won't be able to give my pre-work the time it needs to be effective. Okay, I'm rambling but it is because I'm sleepy. Anyway, thanks for the support and Val, I wish you were my trainer. You sound so good.

Can I ask one question though? There is a diagram on this and it asks to state the significance of each label with regard to pregnancy and birth. And one is the anus. I'm not sure I know how to answer that one. And I certainly didn't want to google anus. LOL.

05-11-2006, 04:51 PM

Hi there!

Cool, I'm going through CAPPA aswell

For me, and it's only my guess from past experience:
In labor a woman may relieve herself - perhaps the muscles of the anus relax.. bearing down to push baby out may cause the anus to react in the same manner as it would should the woman be doing a #2?

I remember poopin' myself when I was in late stage labor with my son.

Sirena