CAPPA CPD
Postpartum doula training
Become a postpartum doula.
Ready to become the sought-after postpartum doula that everyone raves about? Take the first step towards becoming a CAPPA Certified Postpartum Doula, with CAPPA Faculty and midwife Heather McCullough, LCPM.
18CAPPA contact hours
2 dayslive online
Join fromanywhere
$1,200per workshop
Upcoming trainings
Save your seat
Next dates
New dates coming soon
Join the trainings newsletter and you'll be the first to know.
About CAPPA membership
An active CAPPA Professional Membership ($75/year) is required to complete and keep your certification. You'll add it at checkout when you register for your training.
- New to CAPPA? New members get $75 off their first training, so your first year of membership is effectively free.
- Already a member? Just keep your membership active.
18 hours · evidence based · interactive
What you'll learn
CAPPA's interactive workshop equips you to support new families through the postpartum period with emotional, physical and informational care.
01
The postpartum doula role
Your professional scope of practice.
02
Recovery & well-being
Supporting physical healing and emotional well-being after birth.
03
Newborn care & feeding
Feeding support and infant soothing techniques.
04
Perinatal mood & anxiety
Recognizing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and when to refer.
05
Family adjustment
Communication, family transitions and community resources.
Curious what's covered?
Inside the workshop
The CAPPA Postpartum Doula Training includes the CAPPA Postpartum Doula Manual and resources to enhance your practice. 18 CAPPA contact hours; nursing contact hours potentially available on request.
- CAPPA certification and policies
- Practical application of scope of practice, ethics and integrity
- Listening and communication skills
- The postpartum doula as educator
- Emotional and physical support of the postpartum parent
- Postpartum mood disorders
- Baby care techniques
- Calming and soothing techniques
- SIDS and safe sleep
- Infant feeding: choices and support
- The new baby and the family
- Home organization
- Skills for special circumstances
- Grief and loss support
- Business development, marketing and networking for a successful career
- And much more!
Becoming a CAPPA CPD
Certification, step by step
All-inclusive · $1,200
What's included
- CAPPA Postpartum Doula certification program
- Training manual & resources
- Private community for postpartum doulas
- Free refresher live training for one year
- 24/7 private chat channel with your trainer
Certification requirements
To become certified
- Be at least 18 years old
- Join CAPPA ($75/year) when you register: add the membership at checkout with your training
- Attend the CAPPA Postpartum Doula training
- Complete all course requirements within 1 year of your training
Good news: there's no separate CAPPA Academy fee anymore. Your $1,200 training includes the course and full certification process.
Staying certified
Keeping your credential
- Keep your CAPPA membership active
- Recertify every 3 years ($125)
- If your certification lapses for less than 12 months, reinstatement is $300
Full details are in CAPPA's certification FAQs.
The postpartum doula role
What CAPPA postpartum doulas do
- Give non-biased emotional, physical and informational support after birth
- Support healing, infant feeding and newborn care education
- Model infant care and help families with age-appropriate infant sleep
- Support parents and extended family, and help with household organization
- Refer to healthcare professionals for anything clinical
Postpartum doulas are non-clinical: they don't diagnose, perform clinical procedures, make parenting decisions, or act as a nanny or housekeeper.
More and more families pay for postpartum support through Medicaid or a workplace benefit. CAPPA training is a cornerstone credential for these programs across the country, so becoming CAPPA certified helps you say yes to the families who need you.
Medicaid
State Medicaid doula programs
A growing number of states now cover doula care through Medicaid, and many include postpartum visits. Many keep a list of approved training organizations, and CAPPA is one of the most widely accepted.
Each state sets its own requirements (often CPR, HIPAA training and an NPI number), so check your state's program.
Employer benefits
Carrot, Progyny, Maven & more
Family-building benefits like Carrot, Progyny and Maven help employees pay for doula support, including after the baby arrives. They ask for proof of certification from a recognized doula organization, and your CAPPA certificate fits right in.
For your practice
What this means for you
- More families can afford your care
- You're ready when clients ask, "Can I use my benefit?"
- A credential programs already recognize
- Ask Heather how to get set up once you're certified
Live online
Join from anywhere
All sessions are live within the CAPPA Community, so you can join us from anywhere. Sessions run 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Central on both days.
The CAPPA Postpartum Doula Workshop includes the CAPPA Postpartum Doula Manual and resources to enhance your practice.
Questions about the training?
Email Heather, or join the trainings newsletter for new dates.