This course is designed for students who choose to take the self learning, self paced method.

Course Fee: Rs.45000/- (Includes – One year CAPPA International Membership, Certification Packet, Manual, Access to Online Modules & Mentor Fee. It does not include the cost of the reading books.)

Course Requirements:

• You have a maximum of 2 years to complete all course requirements. You may finish earlier as well. There is no minimum time limit.
• CAPPA certification candidates must be at least 18 years of age.
• Be a member of CAPPA.
• Read the CAPPA Childbirth Educator training manual and the required books from the CAPPA required reading list.
• Complete the online modules.
• Purchase and watch these additional DVD’s: Secrets Shared, Special Women and Gentle Birth Choices.
• Complete one essay and one research paper.
• Attend a minimum of three labors / births as a doula. You will be required to obtain evaluations from parents and healthcare providers. Details and forms are available in your certification packet.
• Observe a breast feeding class designed for parents taught by an IBCLC, CLC or CLE with proof of attendance.
• Observe a child birth education class designed for parents at least 10 hours in length.
• Observe two labors / births totaling at least 10 hours.
• Create a resource list with information on local support for parents.
• Pass the multiple choice exam and essays. An 85% passing grade is required.
• In order for candidates to be eligible for CAPPA certification they must sign and agree to the following forms; Code of Conduct and Social Media Policy, Grievance Policy, Mission Statement, CAPPA Approach / Philosophy Statement, Vision Statement and Scope of Practice.
• Please view all of CAPPA’s Policies and Procedures.

A CAPPA Certified Labor Doula will work with mothers and families who are in Labor as a labor support person. A Labor Doula will also provide some prenatal visits to discuss the birth preferences and to coach the parents in various aspects of labor and what to expect. Additionally a post natal visit to help with breast feeding is also a service that is provided by a Labor Doula. A CAPPA Certified Labor Doula will work with families in the hospital or home setting (wherever the mother is choosing to have her birth) and act as her support by guiding her with information, positions, breathing techniques and positive reinforcement.

• Provide non-biased emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor and the birth process, and the immediate postpartum period.
• Work closely with the birthing woman and her family as she explores her values and needs surrounding birth.
• Encourage the birthing woman to seek care and a place of birth that reflects her values and needs.
• Assist in the preparation of birth preferences to facilitate communication with the birth team.
• Model, teach, and encourage effective communication.
• Encourage informed decision making.
• Provide information on birth options and resources.
• Provide the woman with non-medical comfort techniques for labor, such as positions and movement, comforting touch, visualization, breathing techniques, and affirmation.
• Seek to foster a cooperative, respectful, and positive atmosphere with the birth team.
• Provide support to the birthing woman’s partner or family.
• Support and assist initial breastfeeding.
• Assist the mother in processing her birth experience.
• Answer general questions about newborn care and breastfeeding.
• Refer to healthcare professionals when support requires clinical assessment, a need for prescription, or medical diagnosis.

The CAPPA Labor Doula is not a clinician and therefore does not:

• Diagnose medical conditions.
• Perform clinical procedures.
• Interpret medical diagnoses or clinical results.
• Prescribe or administer treatment of medical conditions.
• Perform clinical procedures.
• Make decisions for the birthing woman.
• Speak for the birthing woman.
• Attend births that are intentionally unassisted by qualified medical professionals.

• Child Birth Educator
• Lactation Educator
• Labor Doula