CAPPA Training: what do you think?

[proudmamanow]

So I am very seriously contemplating taking the plunge and beginning doula training. I have long been drawn to midwifery, beginning way back before I even began TTCing. Midwifery school is not an option at the moment for financial and geographical reasons, so I thought I would start off by working towards CBE and labour doula certification as a way of learning and gaining experience. After exploring the web, it seems to me like CAPPA training will likely be my choice; there are more classes available more often near me, the philosophy seems good etc. But I don't know that much about it and I want to draw on your experience. In particular, I'd love feedback from Canadians or Americans about:
-how was the training?
-what is their philosophy?
-what's the name recognition like?
-value for money? -networking opportunities?
Anything else I'm not thinking of...
thanks in advance!

[silverkts]

Its funny because I was going to post about this same topic. Ever since becoming pregnant I was fascinated learning about pregnancy/birth. I am very unhappy in my chosen career and would love to switch, and was thinking about CAPPA training as well. I will watch this thread eagerly.

[proudmamanow]

I've just done a search here for CAPPA and I see it gets mixed reviews in terms of amount of detail provided, in terms of philosophy etc. But I also know that as a Canadian it is by far the most practical & affordable course. So now I have another question: How important is your training? I'm pretty crunchy, had a homebirth, we are currently planning another one, use midwives. I'm pretty sure my philosophy would stand up against any training to the contrary, I mean I can research & read. How important is an agreeable philosophy in your opinion, experienced doulas & midwives?

[tlcdoula]

I think training and education are very important (I know not all will agree). I had given birth seven times before I went to my doula training, and to be very honest I still learned a lot. I think some of the most impotant things I learned came when we were practicing labor support because at that point I had very limited experience in what other women birthed like. I knew how I birthed and honestly I did not birth in the same way that many others did and do. It opened my eyes to a lot of things I hadn't thought about even though I read, researched, etc.

As far as trainings go I felt that I got way more from my in person DONA training then I did from the distance program I took with CAPPA. To me the distand program was very lacking especially since they did not tape the discussions or practice sessions. Now in their defense this might have changed since I took it, but when I did they cut out those areas and I felt like I was left out and that I might have benefited from hearing the discussions and watching them practice labor support.

[proudmamanow]

thanks Michelle--that's helpful feedback. At this point one of the things that's attractive to me about the CAPPA program is that it offers a variety of in person workshops near enough that I could attend, so I wouldn't have to do distance training. I certainly hear what your saying about needing to get exposure to different kinds of births too, because I have very limited experience at the moment.
Anyone else have views about how important the philosophy of the training organization is?

[3daughters]

I did the CAPPA long distance training and was generally pleased with it. The only advantage to doing the training by video is that you can rewatch it. I learned a lot the second time i watched it that I didn't catch the first viewing.

Also, I feel that a good portion of what you learn about effective doula-ing is from reading, experience, and networking with other doulas.

[flyjawn]

i did my training (almost complete) with CBI but think that CAPPA would be my second choice. I think philosophy is important because the organization you train with reflects on you.

i have heard a lot of good things about CAPPA around here.

[proudmamanow]

Thanks very much to both of you. Flyjawn, your site is fantastic! What an inspiration. How have you enjoyed CBI? Have you attended any in person trainings? DONA also seems to offer lots in Ontario--but I think DONA is seen as the most mainstream option...is this others' view?
I guess one of the things I'm wondering is will all Doula training be at least somewhat crunchy? Ultimately I need to decide what I'm comfortable with, I know.

[tlcdoula]

Originally Posted by proudmamanow

Thanks very much to both of you. Flyjawn, your site is fantastic! What an inspiration. How have you enjoyed CBI? Have you attended any in person trainings? DONA also seems to offer lots in Ontario--but I think DONA is seen as the most mainstream option...is this others' view?
I guess one of the things I'm wondering is will all Doula training be at least somewhat crunchy? Ultimately I need to decide what I'm comfortable with, I know.

Honestly I think that would depend more on the trainer then the group you go with.