Certifying perinatal patient advocates (PPAs) to support families through birth, pregnancy, and postpartum.
Learn MoreOur Mission
We believe that every birthing family deserves an advocate who can help create:
- A cohesive care and support team that is aligned with the client’s values and needs
- Clear pathways of communication with medical providers that center the client’s right to meaningful information and autonomy
- A pregnancy, birth, and/or postpartum plan that represents the client’s values and respects the physical, cultural, and spiritual context of their decisions
- Prompt access to needed services and resources
What is a Perinatal Patient Advocate?
A PPA is a perinatal professional who is certified to help guide families through the health care system. They support clients in communicating effectively with their health care providers, in gathering meaningful and accurate information, and in upholding the clients’ right to autonomy and informed choice. They also support clients in accessing resources related to their holistic needs during the perinatal period.
Certification Process
The PPAC is the certifying body for perinatal patient advocates (PPAs) who have completed the Intentional Birth advocacy training program. Prerequisites for certification include experience as a perinatal professional, such as a doula, midwife, physician, or nurse.
Step 1: Option 1
Attend the complete two-day Intentional Birth Advocacy Training for birth workers (16 hours)
Step 1: Option 2
Complete the online IB Advocacy Training modules (8 hours) and attend a full day of in-person simulation training (8 hours)
Step 2
Apply for testing and pay the $50 first-time certification testing fee. Agree to follow the PPAC Codes and attest that you have attended a minimum of 10 births across your career.
Step 3
Complete the PPAC certifying exams comprising:
- Online written examination
- Virtual oral examination
Step 4
Renew certification every 3 years. Pay $300 either to attend a full day of in-person simulation training or to complete assigned modules and sit again for exams.
Examination
After you have completed your training, you will sit for exams to complete your certification!
Complete your application and pay your testing fee ($50)
Complete your written examination online
Schedule and complete your virtual oral examination
Upcoming Trainings
SLC, UT
January 24-25
EVANSTON, IL
March 14-15
BELLINGHAM, WA
April 11-12
LUBBOCK, TX
May 9-10
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
June 13-14
MANCHESTER, UK
July 18-19
SAN DIEGO, CA
August 4-5
SAN CLEMENTE, CA
August 8-9
What Advocates Are Saying…
I feel so much more embodied, empowered, and supported. I learned so much about my rights, my clients rights, and how to engage with the medical system in a way that is both loving and strong.