Get Certified as a Postpartum 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 postpartum doulas may use the letters "CPD" 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 Postpartum Doula?
A postpartum doula is a woman who assists the new mother, baby, and the rest of her family within the first few weeks after the birth of the baby. Postpartum doulas should be good with children, patient, non-judgmental, and knowledgeable about newborn care and breastfeeding. The postpartum doula may offer the following:
- Breastfeeding tips
- Baby care and advice
- Household help
- Sibling care
- Meal preparation
- Errand running
They do not offer any form of medical advice regarding either the mother or the baby, nor do they perform any clinical tasks such as blood pressure checks or vaginal exams.
Distance 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.
- Enter certification program by purchasing the distance postpartum doula certification packet, available in our CAPPA India.
- Read six books from the required reading list, and submit two book reports totaling 3,500 words. One book must deal with breastfeeding.
- Proof of infant and child CPR certification through the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.
- Submit two letters of recommendation from a certified labor doula, certified childbirth educator, certified lactation educator, certified postpartum doula, certified antepartum doula, midwife, obstetrician, pediatrician, or lactation consultant (IBCLC).
- Pass the test on postpartum and childbirth topics 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.
- Maintain a resource manual with information on local support. The resources must at least include the following: certified lactation consultants, breast pump rental locations, support group information, mental health providers that specialize in postpartum disorders, home health agencies, and scientifically supported articles on topics such as breastfeeding, circumcision, and formula feeding.
- Order and watch the Baby's First Months: What Do We Do Now? DVD.
- Submit two letters of recommendation and evaluations from past postpartum doula clients with a continuum of care for no less than one week each and a minimum of 20 hours per client.
- Observe a breastfeeding class instructed by an IBCLC, CLE or CLC with proof of attendance.
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.
- Purchase the postpartum doula dual certification/certification transfer program, available in our CAPPA India.
- Submit proof of current certification from an approved postpartum doula certification program.
- Read 3 books from the required reading list.
- Pass a test on basic postpartum 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 postpartum doula scope of practice.
- Submit two letters of recommendation or evaluation forms from previous postpartum doula clients. Evaluations and letters must be within the last two years.