CAPPA is one of the recognized organizations for the

Tricare Childbirth and Breastfeeding Demonstration.


Japan Doula Training


Starting a career as a doula can be a profoundly rewarding journey, blending passion for supporting families and community! Embark on this path, as your undergo specialized training and certification, equipping you with knowledge about childbirth, infant feeding, and more. Become a trusted companion during one of life’s most transformative experiences.


Upcoming Trainings & Information

2026 Trainings - Fees may Vary based on location

CAPPA FEES HAVE STANDARDIZED ACROSS THE BOARD TO $1,200

Those using the MyCAA benefit must have their portal and appointment set up with their career coach before funding can be provided. I will provide an ETP upon receiving your registration for the series.


Workshop Dates & Times

Training Dates and times are all Eastern Time (this workshop may be moved to a virtual setting if we do not have enough attendees):

Training Dates and times are all Eastern Time:

April - Virtual

  • 10th 5:00pm - 8:00pm

  • 11th 8:30am - 4:00pm

  • 12th 8:30am - 4:00pm

May - Virtual

  • 19th 5:00pm - 9:30pm

  • 21st 5:00pm - 9:30pm

  • 26th 5:00pm - 9:30pm

  • 28th 5:00pm - 9:30pm

About the Course.

This 18-hour workshop fulfills the initial requirement of your CLD program and guides you through the certification process. The course aims to equip perinatal professionals with essential skills, knowledge, and insights into professional labor support. It also serves as training for those pursuing certification as CAPPA-certified labor doulas. Participants will earn 18 CAPPA Contact Hours, with nursing contact hours available upon request. Learn more about what is included as part of your CAPPA workshop.

What’s included?

All-Inclusive Certification Program

  • CAPPA Labor Doula Certification Program

  • CAPPA Labor Doula Training Manual & Resources

  • Private Community for Labor Doulas

  • Free refresher live training attendance (for one year after purchase)

  • 24/7 Private chat channel facilitated by your trainer

  • Monthly emails with great information from CAPPA about doula work and evidence-based information

  • 200+ page manual, folder of practical resources to help you get started as a doula, and hands-on materials for all trainings

  • Connections with the local military community

  • And more!

Doula Training Fees and Refund

All-Inclusive Certification Program: $1200

Fees vary based on locations and and number of participants.

A $100 non refundable* deposit is required at the time of registration to reserve your seat. The remaining balance, minus the deposit, is due before the training date. Some locations may require the remaining balance due by a certain number of days out. Contact Amanda at connect@oceansidehypnobirthing.com for payment plans or financing options.

  • There are no refunds except upon cancellation and a training is not rescheduled, the instructor, will issue a 100% refund.

  • For overseas in-person trainings you may transfer a registration to another person with approval from the instructor and by paying a $50.00 transfer fee.

  • For overseas trainings, if the minimum number of participants is not met by the deadline, the $100 deposit will be reimbursed.

  • MyCAA benefits can be transferred to another class date but will not be reimbursed.


Who is CAPPA?

CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) is a leading international certification body for Doulas, Childbirth Educators, and Lactation Educators.

Founded in 1998, CAPPA has proudly certified thousands of perinatal professionals worldwide.

As one of the earliest and most comprehensive organizations in the perinatal field, CAPPA is known for its long-standing dedication to excellence in education and unparalleled support for students and members.

When selecting an organization for your education, it’s crucial to choose wisely. CAPPA provides the stability and confidence you need as you invest in your education and career.

About Amanda

Amanda Dodson, CLD, HBCE, CAPPA Labor Doula Trainer, has been supporting families since 2008, after completing her doula training while living in California with her husband during his service in the USMC. Throughout her career, Amanda has focused on advocating for military families around the globe. In 2011, their relocation took them back to Okinawa, Japan, where she dedicated herself to understanding birth and doula support both on and off military bases. She educated Military Treatment Facilities and established the Japan Birth Resource Network, now known as MBRNPC, a nonprofit organization. After returning to the U.S. in 2017 and with her husband’s retirement from the USMC, Amanda fulfilled her goal of becoming a labor doula trainer. Recognizing the need for accessible resources and training for the military community, she aims to ensure that families at overseas and stateside duty stations receive the support they need during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Amanda is committed to increasing the presence of doulas in these areas and exploring participation in the Tricare Demonstration. (Please note that Amanda does not represent or work for any DoD government program or Tricare.)