The Distance Labour Doula Program
Description:
The Distance CLD Program was designed for the many women who are unable to attend a doula training. The program offers in-home training with the use of a professionally produced DVD series version of a CAPPA labour doula training workshop. The DVD series is approximately 9 hours in length. Each participant will also receive the labour doula training manual and the certification packet. We recommend the distance program for those who do not have access to a Labour Doula Workshop. However, physically attending a workshop enhances your knowledge and allows you interact and possibly network with others wishing to become Certified Labour Doulas. Whichever route is best suited for you, CAPPA Canada is always available for questions or as a resource by phone or email.
Labour Doulas in-training have two (2) years after purchasing the certification packet to complete and submit their certification requirements.
| What you need to do to apply: |
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1. Write a letter of intent to the CAPPA Canada Executive Directors and the CAPPA Canada Labour Doula Director explaining why you wish to become a CAPPA Canada certified labour doula and why the distance program is best for you. 2. Complete the Pre-Workshop Study Guide (available here) and submit it with you letter of intent. Before entering the CAPPA Canada Labour Doula Distance Program, applicants should have a basic knowledge of the following: anatomy of the female reproductive system and breasts; physiology of pregnancy, birth, postpartum and breastfeeding; definitions of medical terms regarding labour. 3. Prepare a list of childbirth resources available in your area and submit it with the letter of intent. Send to info@cappacanada.ca (put in the email subject line: Application for Distance CLD Program) or by mail to: National Head Office - CAPPA Canada, 3445 Trim Road, PO Box 5, Ottawa, Ontario, K4B 1J3 |
Distance Program Requirements
1. Once accepted in the program, purchase the Distance Labour Doula Certification Packet ($400.00), available at our store (a proof of purchase is required when submitting your certification requirements). It includes the CAPPA Canada Labour Doula Manual, the CAPPA Canada Labour Doula Certification Packet, the Labour Doula Workshop Video Series and the Labour Support DVD*.
2. Be a member of CAPPA Canada ($55.00 for a 1 year membership; rebates available for multi-year memberships). All CAPPA Canada certified professionals are required to maintain continuous membership. A lapse in your CAPPA Canada membership will result in a $50.00 reinstatement fee and all overdue membership fees must be paid. CAPPA Canada certified professionals who let their membership lapse more than 120 days must pay a $100.00 reinstatement fee plus all past due membership fees.
3. Choose and read five (5) books from the CAPPA CLD required reading list (available here).
4. Attend a local breastfeeding class (ie La Leche League) or breastfeeding consultation as an observer/volunteer with an IBCLC (a proof of attendance is required for either choices - minimum of 4 hours - when submitting your certification requirements). Submit a 250-300 words summary of what you learnt (use Form B: Speciality Class Observation Form, available in the CAPPA Canada Certification Packet). If no class is available in your area, please contact CAPPA Canada for a substitute.
5. Attend a local childbirth education series as an observer (complete series). The class must be taught by a certified childbirth educator and must be at least 12 hours in total length (proof required). Submit a detailed outline of topics, time allotments, and media used (use Form A: Class Observation Form available in the CAPPA Canada Certification Packet). If no class is available, contact CAPPA Canada about a video option.
6. Complete one (1) essay and one research paper on two (2) of the topics included in the certification packet. Each should be a minimum of six (6) pages double spaced, typed with 1" margins.
7. Attend three (3) labours/births as a doula. These births must be attended after completing step 4 (attending a CAPPA Canada Labour Doula Certification Workshop). For each birth, you must be present before or at the onset of active labour until the immediate postpartum period right after the birth. If a Cesarean birth is attended, it may only be used as one of your three (3) births.
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Submit a summary of each birth, including a brief description of the labour, the role of the doula at this birth, the mother's reaction to the labour and birth, the reaction of the medical staff to the doula's presence and what you learnt from this birth (use Form C: Labour/Birth Observation Form, available in the CAPPA Canada Certification Packet).
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Submit copies of good evaluations from the parents, doctor/midwife, and a second attendant (nurse/ midwife). In other words, for eachbirth you attend as a doula, you must submit three(3) evaluations.
8. Submit two letters of recommendation from a certified labour doula, certified childbirth educator, certified lactation educator, certified postpartum doula, certified antepartum doula, midwife, obstetrician, or lactation consultant (IBCLC). One letter for a character reference and the other as a professional reference.
9. Pass the test on labour doula skills and knowledge. The test is an open book test and the answer sheet must be submitted for your final certification. An 85% passing grade is required. The test is available in the CAPPA Canada Labour Doula Certification Packet.
10. Sign and agree to the CAPPA Code of Conduct, Philosophy, Scope of Practice and Grievance Policy.
11. Submit the necessary fees for certification ($75.00**).
* Please note that EACH person who is seeking labour doula certification through the CAPPA Canada distance labour doula program must buy their own set of doula training tapes (tape sharing is not allowed, therefore tapes and certification packet are mailed together)
** Certification Processing Fee is due with the submission of completed Certification Application
In the event a candidate fails to pass certification requirements, the candidate has up to one (1) year to complete the failed portions of the certification requirements. There will be no further processing fees. The candidate who exceeds two (2) years to complete the aforementioned portions of certification may be asked to re-enter the certification program and may incur additional fees.
Note: CAPPA Canada encourages its birth professional in-training to submit their certification requirements electronically. If this is not a possibility, the paperwork must be submitted by mail and NO ORIGINALS should be sent, only photocopies.
Certification Results Policy
It will take approximately 4-6 weeks for CAPPA Canada to grade and process your certification materials once received. CAPPA Canada receives a high volume of certification requests. CAPPA Canada will contact you by letter or email within that time frame once your application has been reviewed.