If you feel a call to help families during pregnancy, labor and birth, you’ve probably also wondered what it takes to become a labor doula. Alternately, perhaps you’ve wanted to be a birth doula for years, but weren’t quite sure how. At CAPPA, we refer to a birth doula as a “Labor Doula” and offer […]
How To Become A Labor Doula And Why It Might Be Right For You Continue reading »
Have you heard the old saying “We are Better Together?” There is so much truth in this statement when it comes to connecting with other doulas and educators in our arena. After working as a doula for nine years, I truly believe “Building Connections” is the single best thing you can do to set yourself
The Importance of Building Connections for Success Continue reading »
Training Dates and Times: Nov 1, 2025 (Sat) 8:30am EDT 6:30pm EDT Nov 2, 2025 (Sun) 8:30am EST 6:30pm EST Want to be inspired and empowered to begin or enhance your perinatal career? Train with the Childbirth and Postpartum Professionals Association, an international certification organization for Doulas, Childbirth Educators, and Lactation Educators. CAPPA trainings
Labor Doula Training – Decatur, GA (Gwynne Knap) Continue reading »
Laura Nance – CPD, CLD, CLE®, CCCE, CPFE, Faculty, Senior Program Advisor CAPPA recently made changes to the Postpartum Doula Scope of Practice. These changes reflect the needs of postpartum doulas and the work they do with families. First, let’s talk about why a Scope of Practice is even necessary. It comes down to two
Updates to Our Postpartum Doula Scope of Practice Continue reading »
As labor doulas and childbirth educators, we prepare our clients with information about routine interventions. We go over the benefits, risks and alternatives to these interventions, equipping parents to make the best decisions for themselves and their babies. But no one has to place a needle in an arm to alter the course of a
The Subtle Impact of Interference Continue reading »
As a labor and postpartum doula, I have supported a number of single moms by choice, helping them navigate the challenges of birthing and parenting without the benefit of a partner. The unique needs of these clients can sometimes be challenging both emotionally and physically for anyone supporting them during this life changing time. First
Supporting Single Moms by Choice Continue reading »
Early in my doula career, I remember working with a family who knew they wanted a doula to support them through their pregnancy and birth. This particular mother had a previous birth that she felt didn’t go well and felt like she was pressured into unnecessary interventions. She was nervous about going back to the
When a person gets pregnant, they unconsciously develop an internal vision about how they expect their birth will unfold. Their personal history and beliefs, their birth team, their coworkers, friends and family, and the media all influence this expectation—which causes the birthing person to make assumptions about what is true. This is especially so with
Reframing Cesarean Birth ( Submitted by CAPPA Member Colleen Goidel ) Continue reading »
Why do families preserve newborn stem cells? Both cord blood and cord tissue are rich sources of newborn stem cells. Stem cells are the body’s “master cells,” helping to build organ tissues, blood, and the immune system. Cord blood predominantly contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which form the blood and immune systems. Mesenchymal stem cells
Newborn Stem Cell Preservation FAQs for CAPPA Continue reading »
Parents face many decisions while planning for the birth of a baby. Deciding whether to delay cord clamping – and for how long – can be a tough decision because medical recommendations are evolving, and it’s easy to find contradicting information about the risks and benefits for both mom and baby. No wonder parents are