PP Doula Training-CBI v. DONA. ??'s

[thea77]

I've been looking into starting to work toward certification as a PP doula.  I've been going back and forth between DONA and CBI.  I'm leaning more toward CBI, especially since they also offer the breastfeeding counselor course.  However, I feel like DONA has better name recognition, seems to have more continuing education opportunities and have more of a support system.  Does anyone have experience with CBI regarding these areas?  I'm also curious about the DONA conferences, I'd love to attend, but do you have to be DONA certified or can any doula register?  I just can't make up my mind.  Any advice would be helpful...

[zenmumajen]

Hi!

I'm not enrolled through CBI's PP doula course, but I am in the birth doula and breastfeeding counselor course. What is nice about CBI is they hook you up with a trainer that you get to know. They are your go-to person if you have any questions. There is also a forum on CBI's student website as well as yahoo forum where only CBI students and graduates can talk. I think this would cover your sense of community and support. Also- CBI does not require any continuing education because they expect it out of you. I believe that you can do continuing education through any or most organizations if you are CBI certified. Also- if you are ever hired by somebody who wants to make sure that you have been doing continuing education, CBI will approve it so you can show them. This is relatively new so if you have any questions about it you should email them! 

[MamaRabbit]

Also, I have NEVER been asked (doula, PPdoula, breastfeeding, etc) who certifies me.  In general it doesn't seem to matter who I did the training with.  Most just asked how I got my training. And I have plenty of clients.

[HappyAga]

Originally Posted by MamaRabbit 

Also, I have NEVER been asked (doula, PPdoula, breastfeeding, etc) who certifies me.  In general it doesn't seem to matter who I did the training with.  Most just asked how I got my training. And I have plenty of clients.

When I was pregnant and looking for a doula, I asked where she got her certification from. I didn't know anything about the certifying organizations and just asked because it was one of the recommended questions to ask lol. The most important was how I clicked with the doula. 

I am taking the Postpartum Doula course with CBI. I love CBI and can't say anything but good things about them. The only thing I miss are the workshops but those I can do with other organizations. 

[earth2birth]

Have you looking into Birth Arts International? They totally rock. I loved my training with them. www.birtharts.com

[phathui5]

I've been looking at taking the Birth Arts postpartum training. I just need to make some money first!