What Does Being Certified Mean?

Finding a certified doula is an important aspect to your birth. Being certified means your doula has had to meet scrupulous guidelines set before the candidate. Not everyone that enters into a doula program finishes. Some meet some requirements, but don’t do what it takes to finish. It isn’t a matter of using an organization to advertise, but rather an honor to place the certifying organizations acronyms saying the doula has met all requirements set before her.

There are about 6 recognized certifying organizations. There may be more popping up, but these are the more well known certifying groups.  I will do my best to break down each organization’s requirements, comparing and contrasting them to the best of my ability. 

Doulas of North America (DONA)
1-206-324-5440 will put you in contact with members in your area.
AskDONA@aol.com is the e-mail address.
snail mail address:
DONA
1100-23rd Ave. East
Seattle, WA 98112 

Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE )
The Organization of Labor Assistants for Birth Options & Resources (toLabor)
ALACEHQ@aol.com for e-mail
snail mail address:
ALACE
PO Box 382724
Cambridge, MA 02074
(617)441-2500
FAX: (617)441-3167

The Bradley Method Of Natural Childbirth (AAHCC)
American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth
Box 5224 Sherman Oaks, CA 91413-5224
(818) 788-6662
1-800-4-A-BIRTH

Childbirth International (CBI)
USA (West): (415) 742-8458
USA (East):   (646) 845-9675

Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)
PO Box 491448, Lawrenceville, GA, 30049
info@cappa.net
1-888-MY-CAPPA

International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)
1500 Sunday Drive, Suite 102
Raleigh, NC 27607
info@icea.org
Phone: 919/863-9487
Fax: 919/787-4916
Toll Free: 800/624-4934

Compare And Contrast Each Organizations Requirements.