Become an antenatal & Postpartum Doula
Welcome to the CAPD Doula training
Introducing our Certified Antenatal and Postpartum Doula (CAPD) program, designed for those who want to specialize in providing crucial support during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
An antenatal doula, also known as an antepartum doula, plays a vital role in supporting expectant individuals, especially during high-risk pregnancies. These doulas provide care primarily to those who may be experiencing challenges such as bed-rest, helping to manage the physical and emotional complexities that can arise before birth.
Postpartum doulas focus on the crucial period following childbirth, offering essential support to the new family. They assist with newborn care, mother recovery, and household transitions, while also providing emotional support and guidance to help families navigate the early stages of parenthood.
Our CAPD program trains doulas to offer comprehensive support, covering both the antenatal and postpartum phases. As a CAPD, you will deliver physical, emotional, and informational assistance to families, extending from pregnancy through to 3-4 months postpartum. This program equips you with the skills to provide a continuum of care that ensures families feel supported, informed, and cared for during these transformative phases of life.
Requirements for CAPD
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Sign Necessary Agreements
Prior to becoming certified
Read and Sign the read the DoulaVersity Code of Ethics, Conduct, & Scope of Practice For DoulaVersity Antenatal & Postpartum Doulas
Read and Sign the DoulaVersity Grievance Policy
The DoulaVersity code of ethics encourages doulas to work within their scope of practice. Most organizations have their doulas sign a scope of practice before becoming certified (it’s just not always listed in the requirements to become certified). If you have any questions about the terms of our scope of practice, just contact us and ask!
Please note, it is not mandatory to sign the agreement until you decide to proceed with certification. Initially, upon registration, you are only required to acknowledge that you have read both the Scope of Practice and the Grievance Policies. If you have any questions about the terms outlined in our Scope of Practice, do not hesitate to contact us for clarification. -
Navigate the Online Training Course
Watch pre-recorded classes.
There are 14 videos
Each lecture will be about 1.5 hours in length).
Transcripts coming soon. -
Documentary Viewing Requirements:
Watch the following videos/movies:
The Milky Way (Video access provided)
Dr. Jack Newman's Visual Guide to Breastfeeding
The Happiest Baby on the Block
Students will complete the video reports online within our student portal.
These documentaries are carefully selected to provide a broad perspective on childbirth practices and issues, enhancing the depth of your doula education. -
Develop a Resource List
As part of your certification process, you will compile a comprehensive community resource list. This essential tool aids both you and your clients by providing a well-rounded understanding of available options and specialists in areas related to pregnancy, birth, newborn care, and postpartum support.
This resource list not only enhances your service offering but also ensures that you are well-equipped to guide your clients through their journey with informed choices. -
Get Certified in CPR
Provide a copy of current Infant and Adult CPR certification through one of the following:
The American Heart Association, or American Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/classes/adult-child-and-baby-first-aid%2Fcpr%2Faed-online/a6R0V0000015EUt.html
https://shopcpr.heart.org/
Students are responsible for paying for their own certification -
Get ServSafe Food Handlers Certificate
Because meal prep is a common part of taking care of clients, we require that you have a basic knowledge of food handling and safety.
Website: https://www.servsafe.com/ServSafe-Food-Handler
This short online course takes about 2 hours to complete.
Students must submit their certificate to your instructor to become certified.
Students are responsible for paying for their course (approximately $15 depending on where you live). -
Read Eight Books
Students will read a total of 8 books. Book reports will be available through our online portal. Students are responsible for borrowing or purchasing their own books.
Students will be required to read:
"The Gentle Art of Newborn and Family Care by Salle Webber
”Your Amazing Newborn” by Marshall Klaus and Phyllis Klaus
“I Hear You” by Michael Sorensen
”The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers” by Jack Newman M.D. and Teresa Pitman
Students will also choose one from each of the following sections:
Choose one of the following Happiest Baby Books:
”The Happiest Baby on the Block” by Harvey Karp M.D.
”The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep” by Harvey Karp M.D.
Choose one of the following books about newborns:
”Heading Home With Your Newborn from Birth to Reality” by Laura A. Jana, and Jennifer Shu
”The Baby Book” by Drs. William and Martha Sears
”Gentle Baby Care: No-cry, No-fuss, No-worry--Essential Tips for Raising Your Baby” by Elizabeth Pantley
”The Mother of All Baby Books” by Ann Douglas
”Your Baby is Speaking to You” by Kevin Nugen
Choose one of the following on twins or multiples:
”Mothering Multiples: Breastfeeding and Caring for Twins or More!” 3rd Edition by Karen Kerkoff Gromada
”Twinspiration” by Cheryl Lange
”How to Survive Twins: Your Definitive Guide to The First 6 Months” by Carol Malone and Steve Malone
Choose one book on one of the following topics from our reading list:
Preterm babies
Pregnancy loss or still birth
Postpartum depression
Investment: $600
Bundle and save!
Enhance your service offerings and maximize your impact in the community by taking advantage of our bundled certification options.
Investing in our Certified Antenatal and Postpartum Doula (CAPD) training is an investment in a rewarding career that makes a profound difference in the lives of families during their most pivotal moments. The $600 fee opens the door to specialized, comprehensive training that equips you with the skills to support, educate, and empower expectant and new parents. By joining our CAPD program, you gain the expertise to establish yourself as a vital resource in antenatal and postpartum care, enhancing your professional value and expanding your service offerings.
Topics Include
Working as an Antenatal Doula
The role and scope of the CAPD doula
Setting up your business and getting started
Setting up command central
Understanding Bedrest and Preterm Labor
Types of contractions Preterm labor
Preterm labor medications
Pregnancy Complications
How to help clients with various medical conditions
Twin pregnancies and complications
Nutrition and meal planning
NICU and homecare equipment
Comfort measures for those on bedrest
Introduction to the Postpartum Doula
Postpartum care around the world
Helping families adjust to a new baby
The Postpartum Doula Part Two
Birth Story Listening
Virtual support Doula
Self-care
The Postpartum Mother
The postpartum mind and body Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
The Newborn Part One
First appearances
The Newborn Part Two
The Newborn Head to Toe
Common tests and procedures
The Newborn and Parenting Styles
Newborn skin and more
Sleep Options
The Happiest Baby on the Block
The 5 S’s: Learning how to calm baby in seconds, and add extra sleep time for newborns and parents
Breastfeeding Intensive Part
One Anatomy of the breast Milk production
Assisting with the latch
Breastfeeding Intensive Part Two
Common breastfeeding challenges
Week 14 Breastfeeding Intensive Part Three
Less common challenges
Formula feeding