Military Spouses and local women taking a doula training to support military families overeseas.

Those using the SpouseWorks benefit must have their portal and appointment set up with their career coach before funding can be provided. Your ETP will be provided upon receiving your registration for the training.

Upcoming Trainings & Information

CAPPA is one of the approved doula organizations for the Tricare Childbirth and Breastfeeding Demonstration.

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.

  • For overseas trainings in person trainings, a minimum number of participants is required.

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

Workshop Dates & Times

This training has been updated and is now broken into shorter sessions across four weekdays, making it easier to attend without long, full-day commitments.

Trainings are held virtually unless otherwise notated. All attendees must plan to make all the sessions in order to receive access to CAPPA Academy.

Evening FORMAT — DESIGNED FOR THOSE STATIONED OVERSEAS

  • Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

  • Thursday, July 30, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

  • Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

  • Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Weekend Workshop

  • Friday, August 28, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

  • Sunday, August 30, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

register now 
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.

  • SpouseWorks, (formerly MyCAA) is a workforce development program is a financial assistance initiative offered by the U.S. Department of War. It provides funding for military spouses to pursue education, training, and certification in high-demand fields. The goal is to help spouses build careers and achieve economic self-sufficiency, especially considering the challenges of frequent relocations associated with military life. Eligible spouses can receive up to $4,000 for educational expenses over two years.

  • Military spouses can use the SpouseWorks program to become a doula by following these steps:

    1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet SpouseWorks eligibility requirements, which generally include being a spouse of an active-duty service member.

    2. Choose a Training Program: Research and select an SpouseWorks accredited doula training program. Look for programs that offer certification and are recognized within the doula community.

    3. Create a SpouseWorks Account: Register on the website and create an account to manage your education and funding.

    4. Develop an Education and Training Plan: Work with a career counselor to create a plan that outlines your chosen doula program and how it aligns with your career goals.

    5. Apply for Funding: Submit your education plan for approval through the SpouseWorks program. Once approved, you can access the funding.

    6. Complete Training: Enroll in and complete the doula training program. This may include both online and in-person components.

    7. Obtain Certification: After completing your training, pursue any necessary certification through the program or other recognized organizations.

    8. Build Your Practice: Once you’ve taken your training, start your doula practice, market your services, and connect with expectant families.

    • CAPPA Doula Certification Program

    • CAPPA Training Manual & Resources

    • Private Community for 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

    • 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!

    • CAPPA Membership & Access to CAPPA Academy

    • One on One or Group Support with your trainer.

  • Choosing to work with Amanda means partnering with someone who not only understands birth work, but also truly understands military life from the inside out.

    As a U.S. Army National Guard Veteran, the spouse of a retired U.S. Marine, Amanda has spent more than 26 years navigating the military lifestyle alongside service members and their families. With over 18 years of experience as a doula, she brings a unique combination of professional expertise and firsthand knowledge of the challenges military families face, including deployments, frequent relocations, overseas assignments, and navigating military healthcare systems.

    From her time stationed in Okinawa to communities around the world, Amanda’s passion has remained the same: building strong, connected communities of doulas within the military spouse network. She is dedicated to ensuring families receive compassionate, informed support right where they are stationed.

  • CAPPA is the certifying organization your trainers are teaching through. Learn more about CAPPA and their mission here.

Group of women completing a labor doula training in North Carolina.

Military Spouses, do you qualify for Spouseworks?

Meet your Trainers

  • Amanda Dodson

    CAPPA Labor Doula Trainer

    Amanda Dodson, CLD, 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. 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.)

  • Coming soon

    CAPPA Postpartum Doula Trainer

  • i enjoyed The community that was being built with the others in the training with me. It was fun being able to be surrounded by women with the same interests as me and learn together"

    Military Spouse Doula Trainee

  • I thoroughly enjoyed the In person Cappa Doula training experience. The program was professional, well-structured, and delivered with a thoughtful balance of depth and accessibility. The instructor was personable and engaging, creating a supportive learning environment, and the pacing allowed ample time to absorb and apply new information effectively.

    CAPPA Student