WHAT Does It Mean to be a CAPPA POSTPARTUM DOULA?
Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) exists to provide dynamic training and continuing education opportunities for doulas and educators around the world. Since 1988, CAPPA has provided training and certification that prepares today's doula and educator to navigate their professional journey.
I am a trained CAPPA Postpartum Doula
Information provided by Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)
What Does a CAPPA Postpartum Doula Do?
- Provides non-biased emotional, physical and informational support during the postpartum period
- Encourages the family to seek care that reflects their values and needs
- Models and teaches effective communication
- Encourages informed decision making
- Supports physical and emotional healing
- Provides information on care options and resources
- Models infant care
- Encourages the family to make parenting choices that reflect their values and needs
- Supports and assists with infant feeding
- Educates the family on newborn care and characteristics
- Educates families how to maximize age appropriate infant sleep
- Provides support to the parents and extended family
- Assists with household management
- Provides support to the parents and extended family
- Assists with household organization
- Provides resources when support requires a healthcare professional, clinical assessment, a need for prescription, or medical diagnosis
Information provided by Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)
What Does a CAPPA Postpartum Doula NOT DO?
CAPPA Doula Does Not...
- Diagnose medical conditions
- Interpret medical diagnosis
- Prescribe or administer treatment of medical conditions
- Preform clinical procedures
- Administer medication
- Make parenting or infant care choices or decisions
- Transport any family members
- Stay alone with babies or other children routinely and for extended periods of time
- Buckle infants or other children into car or car seats in cars
- Teach a "Cry it Out" approach
- Act as a housekeeper or nanny
Information provided by Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)