Comparison of Birth Doula Certification Programs

	BWI (CDN)	CAPPA (USD)	CBI (USD)	DONA (USD)
Training	16 hr BWI workshop; $450-500	16hr CAPPA workshop; $400-600	$630 CBI program, at own pace	16 hr DONA workshop; $400-700
Cert. Enrollment	$150	$175	included	$50
Cert. Processing	included	$75	included	$110
Time-frame	2 yr (extensions available – no fee)	2 yr (+ $50 for 90 day extension)	unlimited	2 yr (+10 for 6m extension)
Membership Fees	$0	$65/yr; $50-100 lapse penalty	n/a	$100/yr; $25 penalty in case of lapse
Breastfeeding Class	4hrs min; taught by IBCLC or other professional breastfeeding counsellor	2hrs min; taught by IBCLC, CLC, CLE	No	3hrs min; taught by IBCLC, CLC, CLE
Prenatal Classes	10hrs min; taught by professional childbirth educator	10hrs min; teacher  certified CAPPA, Lamaze, ICEA	No	12hrs min; teacher certified by one of  several organizations
Other mandatory classes		Hug Your Baby ($35)		DONA Business Webinar ($20)
Read Books	5	5	3	5
Assignments	Preworkshop Guide; Local Resource List;   demonstrate understanding of scope, ethics, integrity, and insight	Preworkshop Guide, Local Support List, Final Exam	1 essay, 1 exam	Local Resource List, Basic Knowledge Test, Essay
Number of births	3	3	2	3
Care Provider Feedback	(1) experienced birth professional (senior doula, nurse, midwife, or physician)	(2) Doctor or Midwife; and Nurse or Midwife Assistant	No	(2) Good evaluation from Doctor or MW or RN
Client Feedback	Yes	Yes	No	Good evaluation
Doula Feedback	Yes	Yes	Yes	Summary 500-700 words each
Other Requirements	Hospital Tour as a doula/training; 2hrs peer-supported breastfeeding group			Client Reference; Professional Reference
Trainer Support	Yes - ongoing, phone, in-person and online.  May be invited to births with mentor if possible.		Online
Recertification	Lifetime certification as long as doula remains active. (Re-cert is available if requested; nominal fee.)	$75 every 3 years; current  membership; 15 hrs CEU; read 10 current research studies;	Not required.  Optional, with a fee.	$80 every 3 years; current membership; attend 3 births/3yrs (submit papers); 15hrs CEU;
Designation after training workshop	BWI-Trained Doula	Student doula		Student doula
Designation upon certification	CD (BWI)	CLD	CLD Certified Labor Doula	CD (DONA)
Other Notes	There are modifications or equivalents available for rural doulas, in case of limited or no local resources.		Online program; no in-person training available.