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There aren't any laws requiring doulas to be certified, however, we believe that doulas, like any healthcare professional, absolutely should be certified and that certification should be current (not expired).

The US does not regulate doulas and there is no state licensure for doulas. This means certification is not required. However, our clients and maternity healthcare providers (i.e. doctors, nurses, and midwives) view certification as a necessary aspect of education and experience as well as a sign of professionalism.

It shows you are committed to your work when you certify. There are many doulas who try out birth by becoming trained but do not certify. Those who take the time to complete certification demonstrate professionalism and shows a level of accountability by aligning yourself with a professional certifying organization.

It is important to differentiate doula certification from doula training. They are not the same thing. Doula training is completed in 2-3 days. Doula certification involves course work, hands-on clinical skills evaluation, and additional classes like breastfeeding. Not every trained doula chooses to certify. Unfortunately, in some cases, doulas will work with clients without formal training or certification.

CAPPA recognizes and appreciates the fact that medical advancements and technologies are important tools when needed. CAPPA professionals are trained to dispel myths about pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and breastfeeding.

Labor Doulas are skilled support persons who act as consultants and resources, not clinicians. They therefore work with the healthcare system by encouraging and promoting excellent communication between the birthing client and the health care team, encouraging informed decision making and self-advocacy, supporting the choices of the birthing client, providing non-clinical comfort techniques, and offering appropriate referrals when their observance or counseling uncovers situations that require healthcare attention or support. (Taken from the CAPPA website)

Doulas provide non-biased emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor and the birth process, and the immediate postpartum period.

Doulas closely with the birthing person and family as they explore their values and needs surrounding birth

Doulas encourage the birthing person to seek care and a place of birth that reflects their own values and needs

Doulas assist in the preparation of birth preferences to facilitate communication with the birth team

Doulas model, teach, and encourage effective communication

Doulas encourage informed decision making

Doulas provide information on birth options and resources

Doulas provide the client with non-medical comfort techniques for labor, such as positions and movement, comforting touch, visualization, breathing techniques, and affirmation

Doulas seek to foster a cooperative, respectful, and positive atmosphere with the birth team

Doulas provide support to the birthing person’s support partner and/or family

Doulas support and assist initial breastfeeding

Doulas assist the family in processing their birth experience

Doulas answer general questions about newborn care and breastfeeding

Doulas refer to healthcare professionals when support requires clinical assessment, a need for prescription, or medical diagnosis

Doulas listen as the birthing person processes their birth experience

Doula trainings are for:

​​Anyone interested in birth work

Labor and Delivery and Postpartum Nurses

NICU Nurses

Volunteer Organizations

Crisis Pregnancy Counselors

Childbirth Educators

Church Outreach Ministries

Public Health Staff

Chiropractors

Social Workers

Childlife Specialists

Massage Therapists

Lactation Counselors