CAPPA Blog

CAPPA Conference 2009 - Scottsdale, AZ

Posted on June 22nd, 2009 by Val

If you missed this year's FREE CAPPA Conference in Scottsdale, AZ, you missed a weekend full of great speakers, awesome networking and wonderful vendors. Not to mention the pre-conference training workshops!

Conference time is a great opportunity to bundle up on continuing education and meet with other birth professionals for some fun times as well. From the beginning of registration on Thursday night, right up until Sunday afternoon when everyone is checking out and heading to the airport, you could hear exclamations of birth professionals meeting up again, or putting faces to names for the first time - and of course saying goodbye until next year. There were lots of hugs and laughter and late nights of just hanging out with my "doula girls".

 Coming to conference is always an exciting time for everyone, and this year was no exception. The speakers provided a good cross-section of information that pertained to all CAPPA certified professionals, and I felt that I learned a lot of new information that I can use in my work as a doula and educator. The break-out sessions were phenomenal. Attendees at Tracy Wilson Peters' marketing session were given some great information on marketing with the newest social networking websites, and much more. The conference venue itself was at the Ft. McDowell Radisson Resort and Casino in Scottsdale, AZ. Arizona is a beautiful state, and the hotel and conference area were beautiful. It was very nice to sit at the cafe in the outdoor area and just enjoy the breeze while you have a nice meal. And the pool area! Wow! The pool was so beautiful, and there was lots of sun to enjoy in the afternoons after conference time was over.

This year's conference was a blast, and I can't wait until next year! Keep an eye on the website and the CAPPAinfo Yahoo! group for the big announcement for the location for next year's conference! Wherever it is, it will be another great time to learn and network and spend time with other birth professionals. So make plans to attend in 2010!

- Val Staples, CLD CPD CCCE

May is Doula Month!

Posted on May 18th, 2009 by Tracy

Press Release: Lawrenceville, GA
May 17, 2009: May is International Doula Month
Contact: Tracy Wilson Peters, CAPPA Director/Founder at 888-MY-CAPPA

This is the month doulas and the families they work with celebrate the doula profession. There are three types of doulas who provide support for women during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

A labor doula helps expectant women and families prepare for childbirth by providing resources and timely information, and by providing emotional and physical support throughout the birth event. The antepartum doula has extensive training that relates to assisting expectant women who may be on bed-rest and who may or may not be high-risk. Or she can be a postpartum doula and help smooth the transition into parenting by providing continuous support in the first few weeks after delivery by providing assistance with breastfeeding and newborn care, in addition to other types of practical help.

The support of a doula improves the childbirth experience, increases breastfeeding success, improves family bonding, and encourages and strengthens families. CAPPA is a non-profit international training and certifying organization. Founded in 1998 CAPPA's mission is to provide professional membership and training in related women's health fields. These consist of childbirth and lactation educators, antepartum, labor and postpartum doulas, advanced certifications in Teen Support, and Adoption Services and the Advanced Comfort Measures training class. CAPPA has grown to consist of national and international members and three divisions: the parent organization CAPPA, CAPPA Canada and Operation Special Delivery (OSD).

Mother's Day

Posted on May 11th, 2009 by Michelle Schnaars

The Nance Family

Mother's Day was created so each family could honor its mother. As childbirth and postpartum professionals we know this day will be filled with joy and excitement for many women because they will welcome the birth of their child. Whether a first child or more we as mothers never forget how special and unique each child is.

This day can also be a two-edged experience for the mom who has lost a child. As some of you reading this know our Director of Operation Special Delivery Mary Beth Nance and her husband Jason lost their son Mason February 11, 2009. The couples first child, Mikaela, died in May 1996. She was stillborn. They also have a daughter, Jennifer, who will be 12 in August. Mason was a lovable seven year old who enjoyed sports and uplifting the spirits of those around him. In honor of Mason's life and his strong desire to help others, a memorial fund, Larger than Life, has been created to help children in the community. The plans for this fund include establishment of a Class of 2019 scholarship based on good character traits, sponsorships for less fortunate children to participate in team sports, camps and music, and hopefully assistance with a new playground at Delta-Peach Bottom Elementary School.

Contributions can be sent to:

Larger Than Life c/o Mr. & Mrs. Jason H. Nance
97 Watson Road
Delta, PA 17314

Donations can also be made via PayPal to JANDMB@verizon.net. Please enter "Larger than Life" in the comments section. For more information about Larger than Life please visit largerthanlife-masonnance.blogspot.com.

In addition to her work as Director of Operation Special Delivery, Mary Beth is an active labor doula working in Northeastern, Maryland, helping close to 100 women achieve a rewarding labor and birth experience.

While writing this I realized I wanted to be able to share with our readers some of my own personal thoughts about Mary Beth. I've known her for about three years now, and over this time have come to see she is a good-natured person who truly wants the best for people. She is a good listener who is able to uplift and encourage those around her. Mary Beth is the kind of person you want to be around.

Mary Beth has touched so many people in a real and positive way that none of us can forget. All of her friends know she likes quotes, and one of her favorites is, "They may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel."

I wanted you to be able to hear from one of her dearest friends. Here is what Wendi wanted to share:

Mason

"I met Mary Beth about 6 years ago through what some would consider a random email about being a doula. But she and I both know it was not by chance. We quickly realized that our birth philosophies were very similar and became partners as she pursued her doula certification. Even greater than that we became the best of friends. I was honored to watch this amazing wife, mother and doula share herself with so many birthing families over the course of our partnership. Her unbelievable ability to organize still impresses me; and how she effectively keeps it all together is inspiring! I always tell her I want to be like her when I grow up. Mary Beth has been by my side through many of my life's difficult times. Never judgmental or critical, she always has just the right words, hugs or homemade apple butter and biscuits to get me through. No matter what plates she had spinning in the air at the moment she always had time for my drama. Our friendship has been one of fierce loyalty and woven by an unexplained bond. A year ago, I had to move from MD to GA. Leaving Mary Beth and her family was devastating to me. We missed each other terribly but talked and emailed as much as our busy schedules would allow. It was not as if we actually saw each other any less by my move, but we no longer had the option of stealing away for a cup of coffee should an opportunity arise. When her son Mason was recuperating from a routine surgery, I remember talking with Mary Beth and hearing, probably the first time ever, her strength and energy dissolving. I hung up the phone that day and cried. I was not able to be there for my dearest friend when she needed me most. I resolved to find a way to lighten her load. I called their local pizza place (Mason's favorite) and arranged to have a gift card delivered that she could use for dinner one night. She and Mason sent me the best thank you note which took its special place on my fridge right along side their family picture. I tell you all of this because the bonds of our friendship transcended time and distance, and on February 11, 2009 tragically Mason Noah Carter Nance, beloved son of Jason and Mary Beth, left this earth. The pain I felt in my soul cannot be explained. I just KNEW without a doubt that she needed me. I never spoke to Mary Beth that nigh, or the next day. I just made arrangements to fly to Maryland. I didn't need to talk to her or tell her of my plans. In her heart, she already knew. When I arrived on her doorstep she fell into my arms and we cried. Then we sat for the next 12 hours as she retold the events surrounding Mason's death. What I began to realize was that SHE was consoling ME! And this is the best part - her faith in God was her strength. It was probably at this moment that we confirmed our belief that our connection really wasn't by chance. You see, I have no doubt that I was meant to witness this remarkable woman suffer the loss of not one, but 2 children, and still find a way to get out of bed every day. And in witnessing this, I decided I wanted what she has - faith. God really does work in mysterious ways. And I thank him every day for the blessing of Mary Beth in my life!! -Wendi Quintal

Mary Beth and her family are the kind of people who strive to make a difference in this world. They are loving and encouraging the people in their lives every day. All of us at CAPPA and OSD love and adore Mary Beth. She is a real gem and we are blessed to call her a friend.

This Mother's Day, let the women in your life know how special they are to you. Whether it's your mom, sister, daughter or friend, don't miss this opportunity to tell them you love them.

- Michelle Schnaars

Conference Attendance - On a Budget!

Posted on April 8th, 2009 by Val

You hear it on the news every day - the economy is in serious trouble. Jobs are at risk, prices are high, and everyone is afraid.

But continuing education is not a luxury, it is a necessity. There are many opportunities for continuing education being offered by many organizations, and many of those offerings have high prices attached. A lot of organizations offer conferences and conventions with contact hours, but they also charge a pretty penny for attendance, and that doesn't include travel and accommodations. Then on top of that, they want to charge you for CEUs! WHAT?!?

The Grand Canyon

Imagine attending a conference at your favorite birth organization absolutely free! Even better, imagine not having to pay extra CEU fees for those hard-earned contact hours for continuing education in your field. Then think about taking your family vacation that you save for every year in a great location with lots of family activities nearby, including The Grand Canyon! Talk about your two birds with one stone, right? Is this a dream? NO! The CAPPA Childbirth Conference and Convention is the answer! CAPPA's Childbirth Conference is being held in Scottsdale, Arizona on June 11-14, 2009. We at CAPPA understand that during this time of concern for the economy, everyone is trying to tighten their belt and be more responsible with their finances. This is why we do our very best every year to bring the highest quality speakers, presenters and vendors to our free conference.

We also wanted to give you a few tips to help you attend conference in the most economical way possible. Here are some suggestions that might help: