Antepartum Doula Certification Programs

Get Certified as an Antepartum 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 antepartum doulas may use the letters "CAPD" 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 an Antepartum Doula?

An antepartum doula is a person who has achieved specific training that relates to assisting pregnant women who are classified as high risk, pregnant women who may or may not be on bedrest, or pregnant women with medical conditions necessitating the need for help. This assistance includes education and physical support such as bed rest assistance, sibling care, errands, meal preparation, home care, and emotional support. The antepartum doula does not perform any clinical care. This role is strictly non-medical. The antepartum doula has extensive knowledge and training in the area of high risk pregnancy support.

Traditional 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 antepartum doula certification packet, available in our shop.
• Read three books from the required reading list, and write a 300 word essay on what you learned from each book.
• Attend a CAPPA approved antepartum doula training.
• Attend a childbirth education class as an observer.
• Proof of adult CPR certification through the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.
• Submit two letters of recommendation from a certified doula, certified childbirth educator, nurse-midwife, doctor, or lactation consultant (IBCLC).
• Pass the test on antepartum 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.
• Submit three good evaluations from past antepartum doula clients.

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 antepartum doula certification packet, available in our shop.
• Read five books from the required reading list, and write a 300 word essay on what you learned from each book.
• Attend a childbirth education class as an observer.
• Proof of adult CPR certification through the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.
• View the video Antepartum Bed Rest: The Price (included in your certification packet), and write a summary of what you learned from the video. (Minimum 1,000 words.)
• Submit two letters of recommendation from a certified doula, certified childbirth educator, nurse-midwife, doctor, or lactation consultant (IBCLC).
• Pass the test on antepartum 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.
• Write a 2,000 word essay on a high risk pregnancy complication.
• Submit three good evaluations from past antepartum doula clients.

Antepartum Doula Reading List

• CAPPA antepartum doula manual *
• The Mother of All Pregnancy Books (Ann Douglas)
• The Pregnancy Bed Rest Book * (Amy E. Tracy)
• When Pregnancy Isn't Perfect * (Laurie A. Rich)
• Intensive Caring * (Dianne Hales & Timothy R. B. Johnson)
• Preventing Preterm Birth (Michael Katz)
• Days in Waiting: A Guide to Surviving Pregnancy Bedrest (Mary Ann McCann)
• Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy (Elizabeth Somer)
• No More Morning Sickness (Miriam Erick)
• The Pregnant Woman's Comfort Book (Jennifer Louden)
• The Pregnancy Book (Sears & Sears)
• Every Pregnant Woman's Guide to Preventing Premature Birth (Barbara Luke)
• Your Premature Baby (Frank P. Manginello & Teresa Foy DiGeronimo)