Any insight on Doula programs?

[patricegonzales]

Would anyone like to give their 2 cents on the different doula trainings out there?
-CBI
-ICEA
-DONNA
-CAPPA
and any others out there?

It is so difficult knowing what you are getting in to and of course I would like the one that is best for me!

Thank you all!

[teachinmaof3]

A lot will depend on your trainer.

I went thru CAPPA. It was ok. I wasn't that impressed.

If I could do it over, I'd go with CBI.

[iemaja]

I completely agree with the above poster - it is sooo depenedent on your doula trainer. I LOVED my CAPPA workshop because I had an amazing trainer, who was really familiar with teaching adults, the information part of being a doula, the emotional support part of being a doula, and she provided a world of support and info that can't be described with words. If you're in Southern Cali, the doula trainers name is Rena Ward (Koerner). Other than the workshop component (which doesn't apply to CBE) they all have generally the same requirements. Good luck!

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I liked my DONA training. I didn't get a ton out of it since I was already a CBE, but it was pretty good. However, I LOVED LOVED LOVED the ALACE training. It was fabulous!!!

[BirthIsAwesome]

Originally Posted by SublimeBirthGirl

However, I LOVED LOVED LOVED the ALACE training. It was fabulous!!!

:

The ALACE workshop was amazing, awesome, and lifechanging! I can't recommend ALACE high enough!!!

[Rockies5]

Originally Posted by BirthIsAwesome

The ALACE workshop was amazing, awesome, and lifechanging! I can't recommend ALACE high enough!!!

: yup! Check out their website for more information on their program. www.alace.org One thing I love about ALACE training is that they have very few trainers, so their program is consistent.

[AmieV]

ALACE absolutely WILL open your mind and get you majorly inspired to be a doula. I LOVED my workshop and only wish I could do it over again.

[patricegonzales]

Thank you all for the input! Keep it coming!
Unfortunately, the ALACE program is not offered in my area. (I am in Colorado).

[sheilige]

I am another ALACE fan, it was amazing. I actually sponsored the training in my area so from my understanding it can be anywhere someone wants to sponsor one. You get to attend the workshop for free in exchange for helping out with marketing and networking locally and being the local contact. You can bring ALACE to you!

[ldsapmom]

I was so energized and motivated by my DONA training. I agree about trainers -- I had a great one who continues (as I need it) to offer me great insight and help.

[tlcdoula]

Originally Posted by teachinmaof3

A lot will depend on your trainer.

I went thru CAPPA. It was ok. I wasn't that impressed.

If I could do it over, I'd go with CBI.

I took the DONA training and CAPPA and have to agree that I wasn't very impressed with the CAPPA training. My DONA training was awesome though!!!!

[SublimeBirthGirl]

Originally Posted by patricegonzales

Thank you all for the input! Keep it coming!
Unfortunately, the ALACE program is not offered in my area. (I am in Colorado).

I brought ALACE to me, by coordinating a workshop in my area.

[herbanmama]

I cetrtified through DONA. There were a few factor which influenced my decision such as; Penny Simkin was the trainer at my area workshop, and I live in a conservative area where I am under the impression that DONA is more well known by the hospitals here. I enjoyed the training, and Penny was inspiring. However, I do plan to attend the ALACE training as a supplemental training. I think that their philosophy aligns a bit more closely to mine, and I have heard that it's an amazing experience.

[Rockies5]

Originally Posted by patricegonzales

Thank you all for the input! Keep it coming!
Unfortunately, the ALACE program is not offered in my area. (I am in Colorado).

I took a training in Colorado and plan to offer one here late this year. I'm *still* working on the proposal so no date is set.

[Midwife Kris]

Originally Posted by patricegonzales

Thank you all for the input! Keep it coming!
Unfortunately, the ALACE program is not offered in my area. (I am in Colorado).

As the others have said, if you want to take the ALACE training sponsor it yourself. There have been many ALACE workshops in Colorado in the last few years (after a 10 year absence). I went to one in Boulder around '04 that someone else hosted and I helped to publicize. I hosted one myself in Anaheim back in '99 and it was a lot of fun and not too much of a headache to put together. Well worth the effort.

[patricegonzales]

After looking further in to the ALACE training, I see that it is best to "bring it to yourself". Sponsoring one may be in my future...
Thank you all for this great input! And the well wishes!

[onlyAngil]

I am training with CBI and I really do in joy the set up of it, it works great with everything else that is going on. Personally I would not go DONA because every one who I meet that is certified though them is pushy, over powering, and not very spiritually in tune with what ever I was working, talking, dealing with, then again I am an odd ball, so. (Nothing personal to any one here, just what I notice IRL)

Just my $0.o2

[Inner_Serenity]

I went through CBI (Childbirth International) and absolutely would recommend it. You do have to be able to self pace yourself as it is up to you to study the material, but the material is thorough and very reflective... I much preferred it to the weekend courses offered near me...

Tia