Certifications-we want to know!

motherwise · 06-13-2006, 04:02 PM

I was just wondering how many of you are certified, and with what organization. Also, feel free to share what reasons you had for choosing that organization, and what your experience with them has been. This should be interesting!

fearlessbirth · 06-13-2006, 04:25 PM

I am working towards birth doula certification with DONA. I chose them mainly because they had a training within driving distance of me. I am, so far, satisfied with my choice.

For post-partum doula certification I am going to go through CAPPA. Mainly because they offer distance training and have a scholarship program and at this point it's the only way I can pursue another cert.

teachinmamaof4 · 06-13-2006, 04:33 PM

I'm working on CAPPA ld/cbe certification.

I chose CAPPA because I want to stay with one organization for all my certifications.

moncton doula · 06-13-2006, 05:27 PM

I am certified with DONA for birth and trained with DONA for postpartum. I chose DONA initially because it seemed like the largest, oldest and most recognized. If I was just starting my journey today I believe I would make the same choice. I have had nothing but good experiences with DONA.

Tiffany · 06-13-2006, 05:46 PM

I voted DONA because I trained with them, but just realized this was about certifying. I am not certified even though I have trained with them.

Matrescence · 06-13-2006, 05:58 PM

I put DONA. I'm certified as a labor doula through them and trained as a postpartum doula also but I'm also trained as a CBE through ICEA and a LE through CAPPA

1stimestar · 06-13-2006, 06:34 PM

I needed more then one option.

PostDoula · 06-13-2006, 06:48 PM

My training and certification (as Postpartum Doula) is through CAPPA. I chose them because of the Distance Program and had a very positive experience.

newbirth · 06-13-2006, 08:31 PM

I chose ALACE because of the background with home birth, and also because the scope of practice seemed less restrictive than DONA. I'm all about freedom to form my business into what I and my clients need, and ALACE allows that. I seem to look for that in any cert. organization.

For instance, while I like Bradley's philosophy, I don't like the overwhelming control of structure that they require of their teachers, so I chose to apply to ICEA, through which I can create my own classes and pick and choose what works best for me and the families in my area.

Likewise, I would not seek my CPM if MANA had specific SOPs, like disallowing VBAC, twins, breech, whatever. I may not intend to do such births when I finally achieve my certification, but I want the freedom to be able to do so. Instead, the CPM requires that you come up with your own SOPs and keep them available for others to view as necessary.

tlcdoula · 06-13-2006, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motherwise

I was just wondering how many of you are certified, and with what organization. Also, feel free to share what reasons you had for choosing that organization, and what your experience with them has been. This should be interesting!

I can't vote because I am certified as a labor doula by dona and cappa and it only allows for one choice.

motherwise · 06-13-2006, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlcdoula

I can't vote because I am certified as a labor doula by dona and cappa and it only allows for one choice.

Oops! I need to fix that...I'll see if I can figure out how!

MothertheMother · 06-14-2006, 12:08 AM

I chose CAPPA because I really identify with their mission to create a network of birth professionals working together. I also plan to certify in other areas and they offer advanced certification options (so you can skip some steps). I did choose to certify as a cbe through Lamaze based on philosophy of birth and name recognition, though. I have been very happy with my choice as well!

Need2read · 06-14-2006, 01:01 AM

I needed more than one choice as well, as I am trained through dona but am rethinking that decision because although I really enjoyed my class I may be certifying through ALACE because I have heard they have a different type of training and certification. I think that the dona training wasn't as thorough as ALACE sounds. I am also a member of the local birth & postpartum doula certifying organizations PALS & NAPS...but don't know if I really want to certify as I will be applying for midwifery school in a year or two.

1stimestar · 06-14-2006, 03:43 AM

I originally chose DONA as that was the main certifing organization. CAPPA was barely heard of and did not have their distance program yet, no one did. I had to go out of state to my training.

jesscardona · 06-14-2006, 11:57 AM

I trained with Lamaze and getting certified DONA but I also like CAPPA...