ALACE, DONA, or CAPPA??

[queen_anne78]

I am almost 100% sure I would like to train to be a doula...which organizations do you reccomend and why?

[Rockies5]

ALACE. it's best. Expereintal learning, midwifery model of care, grass roots feel, history in homebirth movement, and *few* and specific workshop trainers to keep the quality of the workshops level.

[courtenay_e]

I loved ALACE as well. However, I'd see if you can get a feel for the philosophy of each group. Any of the three would be a certification, of course, but it's more fun to do it if you agree with what you're reading/learning/being asked to practice.

[MamaRabbit]

Childbirth International. I loved it because it was completely by distance. There are many programs out there. Read their mission or philosophy statements to get a feel for which seems the best fit for your philosophy, personality, etc.

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I did DONA and ALACE. DONA was good, but ALACE was *fabulous*. The workshop was sooooo awesome. I wouldn't want a distance program, personally, for doula training. The experience of the workshopw was really awesome.

[earthwise]

I have trained and certified with CAPPA, because they just happen to have a
workshop near me when I was looking into it, and am pleased with what I was taught at the training, but have nothing to compare it to YET.
I am taking an ALACE training next week because it's been two years since my CAPPA training and I have heard rave reviews about their training, and I feel their philosophy is more up my alley I will re-post after my ALACE training!

[tlcdoula]

I am certified through DONA and CAPPA and have to say that my DONA training was much more comprehensive. When I left that training I felt very prepared to start doing this work. I have heard great things about ALACE though and a good friend of mine took their training and loved it.

[Marilyn82]

ALACE I think for a distance education program, CBI is probably the best, but I think if you can do the workshop, DO IT! There is alot to be said for the discussion and sharing part of it too.

[DoomaYula]

Another ALACE vote, they are great! The workshop was probably the most inspiring weekend of my life. The office staff and the trainers are very supportive -- when I had a difficult birth, I called the office and they put me in touch with Susan Cassell, the CNM in charge of education, and she talked to me for hours. I love ALACE. I only wish they were as well-known among mainstream families as DONA is (and I know CBI and CAPPA are getting more well-known).

[Marilyn82]

Another ALACE vote, they are great! The workshop was probably the most inspiring weekend of my life. The office staff and the trainers are very supportive -- when I had a difficult birth, I called the office and they put me in touch with Susan Cassell, the CNM in charge of education, and she talked to me for hours. I love ALACE. I only wish they were as well-known among mainstream families as DONA is (and I know CBI and CAPPA are getting more well-known).

I Susan She was my doula trainer, and I had the chance to work with her when she was still working as a MW in San Diego.

[queen_anne78]

Thanks ladies!! Earthwise...yes please come back and share your ALACE experience!

I've read all their websites, and I really, really like ALACE...the only problem is that there is a CAPPA workshop right in my city, and a DONA one an hour and a half away....the nearest ALACE is at least 3-4 hours. I may have to wait awhile on any of them, though, because there is no way I can leave my 5 mo for longer then 2.5 hrs...she won't take a bottle. And I would feel bad bringing her to a workshop as that would probably be pretty disruptive.

[Mavournin]

I am a CAPPA trained childbirth educator, and I really liked the program and the organization - but I still chose DONA for my doula cert. I wanted the backup of having a very recognizable name behind my credentials. Where I am, that means a lot to clients and I didn't want to loose out on work because of it. Sounds lame, but knowing your market is important.

[rachaelmomma]

i would vote alace as well! i am getting ready to attend the workshop in NM in nov!!!! i have heard rave reviews about it, and i can hardly wait to start my training!

[gwerydd]

i am hoping to do DONA next month. there is a workshop in my town. i've heard good things about ALACE but there aren't any workshops in my area coming up so i'm going to stick with DONA. i have the same issues that i can't leave my dd for very long and i don't want to have to go out of town for training.

[coobabysmom]

Another vote for ALACE! The training was comprehensive, hands-on (not just theory) and community building. However, I do want to do want to do DONA training and Birthing from Within training... I guess I'm a birth junkie!

[SublimeBirthGirl]

There was no ALACE workshop near me so I sponsored one. It was a lot of work, but fun, and I got to attend for free.

[stellimamo]

ALACE trained. It's a great program!

[sheilige]

I sponsored an ALACE training to bring it to my city and yes it is a lot of work but I got the training for free and $150 in books from their bookstore! Plus it was an amazing experience. They train on things I was really interested in that DONA does not like fetal palpation, it is more of an introduction but gives you hands on experiences.

good luck finding the training that will work for you!

[queen_anne78]

Originally Posted by SublimeBirthGirl

There was no ALACE workshop near me so I sponsored one. It was a lot of work, but fun, and I got to attend for free.

Originally Posted by sheilige

I sponsored an ALACE training to bring it to my city and yes it is a lot of work but I got the training for free and $150 in books from their bookstore! Plus it was an amazing experience. They train on things I was really interested in that DONA does not like fetal palpation, it is more of an introduction but gives you hands on experiences.

good luck finding the training that will work for you!

I considered doing this (when I am able to have more time away from my little one) but I am worried about stepping on toes....There is a girl who does CAPPA training workshops right here in Lexington, she was also the assistant to my midwife at my birth and I love her to death...so I don't want to...I don't know. Maybe it doesn't matter I might be overly concerned. The thing is that I am in Lexington, KY and I'm not sure how many people I could get to attend another workshop when there are some going on already every once in awhile. It's not that big of a city for one thing, and for another...it's not like there is an ENORMOUS demand for doulas and/or doula training.

But who knows. Maybe in a couple months that could all change.

[sheilige]

Originally Posted by queen_anne78

I considered doing this (when I am able to have more time away from my little one) but I am worried about stepping on toes....There is a girl who does CAPPA training workshops right here in Lexington, she was also the assistant to my midwife at my birth and I love her to death...so I don't want to...I don't know. Maybe it doesn't matter I might be overly concerned. The thing is that I am in Lexington, KY and I'm not sure how many people I could get to attend another workshop when there are some going on already every once in awhile. It's not that big of a city for one thing, and for another...it's not like there is an ENORMOUS demand for doulas and/or doula training.

But who knows. Maybe in a couple months that could all change.

I would definitely ask her what she thinks (the one who does CAPPA) she may want to take the training too! However, you do have to work hard for participants but if you try there is nothing lost. If you don't get the minimum (10-12) then they just cancel. You aren't out anything and I think you get to go to a training nearby at a reduced cost. I had a nursing babe when I did this all too They help you through every step of the process and give very good guidance. They do the paid advertising and you do the flyering and talking it up at meetings etc...

I wouldn't be surprised if the CAPPA doulas want to come, they even get a discount! HTH Sara