1.  Do I need to be a CAPPA member to become an OSD doula?

No.  We do not require you to join CAPPA in order to serve the military families.  If you choose to expand your certifications and trainings though, you can become a member of CAPPA to pursue other childbirth and postpartum avenues to supplement your doula practice and education.

CAPPA offers many certification and evidence-based training programs that will help your doula practice and ultimately help the military families that you serve through OSD.

2.  Do I need to be a Certified Labor Doula to serve as an OSD doula?

No. Certification is not required but you must have proof of attendance at an approved labor doula training. 

3.  I was trained as a doula by an organization other than CAPPA.  Will CAPPA accept that training in order for me to serve as an OSD doula?

Yes. Training recieved by a recognized organization with an evidence-based training curriculum is accepted.  Please email for a list of acceptable organizations.

4.  How many states does OSD cover?  Does it serve military installations and families worldwide?

Yes.  We cover all 50 states and serve all U.S. military families all over the world where ever volunteer doulas are available.

5.  I volunteered my doula services for another organization like OSD.  Can I volunteer for OSD as well?

Yes.  We want to make doulas available to all military families who need them.  Please visit the Volunteer page for more information about becoming an OSD doula.

6.  What is the turnaround time from when a client applies for services and when she gets matched up with an OSD doula?

We strive for a turnaround time of no more than a week.  CAPPA is known throughout the field as having the fastest and most courteous customer service.

7.  I'm a military mom, and I met a doula who is an OSD volunteer.  Can I request her as my OSD doula?

Every effort is made to be fair to all of the doulas and military mothers in the program.  Since we are a large volunteer organization, we cannot always process requests for specific doulas. 

8.  Does anyone make any money off of this?  Do you get paid to run this program?

No.  CAPPA/OSD is an all volunteer organization. None of our directors, coordinators or volunteers are paid for their time or services.  Our program is totally free to the military as a service that we do for all that you do for us.