Childbirth and Parenting Educators of Australia
CAPEA is Australia’s peak not-for-profit charity advancing excellence in childbirth and early parenting education.
We empower educators, support professionals, and champion evidence-based learning so every family can thrive.
Grow your expertise. Strengthen standards. Shape the future of family-centred education.
Who We Are
Supporting and advancing childbirth and parenting education across Australia.
CAPEA brings together educators, midwives, and health professionals dedicated to improving outcomes for families across Australia. Through advocacy, professional development, and collaboration, we help our members grow their skills, share knowledge, and elevate the standards of childbirth and parenting education nationwide.
For Parents
Empowering you with knowledge, confidence, and support for one of life’s biggest journeys. We help parents connect with trusted educators and evidence-based information to prepare for birth and beyond.
→ Explore Resources for Expectant Parents
For Educators & Health Professionals
CAPEA supports professionals through training, networking, and advocacy, helping you stay connected, recognised, and up to date with best practices in maternity and early parenting education.
→ Explore Membership Benefits
🏆 Professional Framework
National Standards for Childbirth & Parenting Educators
The National Standards for Childbirth and Parenting Educators were first developed by expert Australian educators in 2011 and published in 2012 by NACE — now known as CAPEA.
During 2024–2025, CAPEA undertook a comprehensive review to ensure the Standards remain current, evidence-informed, and aligned with evolving models of maternity care, trauma-informed practice, and contemporary adult learning principles.
The revised Standards were formally released at the 2025 CAPEA National Conference in Newcastle NSW — among the first known globally developed specifically for Childbirth and Early Parenting Educators.
🛒 Hard copies available in the CAPEA Shop
Click to download the 2025 National Standards (PDF)
Membership Benefits
Everything you need to grow as a professional birth and parenting educator
Member Discounts
Receive discounts to training and events hosted by CAPEA
IJBPE Access
Access to the International Journal of Birth and Parenting Education
Networking
Have access to a network of like-minded professional peers
Get Certification
Path to becoming a CAPEA Certified Educator or Trainer
Click to download the Assessment Tool (PDF)
📋 Professional Development Tool
Birth & Parenting Educators Assessment Tool
Designed to provide a user-friendly framework that supports a meaningful and professional conversation between the educator, assessor, and/or a mentor — similar to clinical supervision practices in other health professions.
The Assessment Tool helps practitioners evaluate how effectively their practice aligns with the National Standards and can be adapted to suit a range of educational contexts.
- Select an assessor or mentor to observe your facilitation
- Receive structured, constructive feedback on your practice
- Evaluate how your practice aligns with the National Standards
- Adapt the tool to suit your specific educational context
🛒 Hard copies available in the CAPEA Shop
Choose Your Membership Plan
Both plans include all membership benefits — save with a 2‑year plan
1 Year Membership
- Hard copy of IJBPE journal delivered to your door
- Electronic journal access via the members‑only area
- Discounts on CAPEA training & events
- Full voting rights
- Contribute content & gain professional exposure
- Path to CAPEA Certification
- Potential to hold committee positions
2 Year Membership
- Everything in 1 Year membership
- Hard copy of IJBPE journal × 2 issues
- Electronic journal access × 2 years
- Discounts on CAPEA training & events
- Full voting rights for both years
- Path to CAPEA Certification
- Potential to hold committee positions
🔒 Secure payment via PayPal | Credit cards accepted | Instant access upon joining
What our members say about CAPEA
Gallery from CAPEA Conferences
Subscribe to the CAPEA Newsletter
Hear about upcoming events, news and the latest research.
Frequently asked questions
Join CAPEA online by purchasing a membership. The process is easy, simply select your membership type, complete the details and make payment. Your membership benefits become effective immediately including access to the members area of the website.
Membership payments are processed securely online through PayPal when you purchase your membership.
- No PayPal account is required.
- Credit cards are accepted.
If you require an alternate payment method please contact us at member@capea.org.au
You can enjoy member discounts commence immediately after joining. You will be provided a login to the website to access the members area.
All CAPEA members must agree to uphold CAPEA values.
Members holding a National Committee position are required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement.
Access to members only content including Professional development resources, journals and discounts on available training and events, CAPEA member lists and CAPEA Committee Reports.
Individual membership
Member discounts apply automatically.
Includes one hard copy of the IJBPE per member, plus online access via the members’ area.
Includes full voting rights and eligibility to hold a position (subject to meeting CAPEA member responsibilities).
Organisational membership
One nominated and approved representative may access member discounts (a discount code is required).
Includes one hard copy of the IJBPE per organisation, plus online access for one log-in only.
Voting rights apply to the nominated representative (subject to meeting CAPEA member responsibilities).
Not eligible to hold a CAPEA position.
CAPEA is a not-for-profit charity and voluntary professional association. Member fees directly support high-quality, accessible childbirth and early parenting education through professional development, national standards, and promotion of evidence-based practice.
Members also have access to CAPEA Treasurer financial reports.
Reach out to us by email to member@capea.org.au or send us a message on Facebook.
Latest news from CAPEA Facebook
Canberra Professional Development Day 23 May 2026 - CAPEA Education Day.
We warmly invite childbirth and parenting educators, midwives, child health nurses, and allied professionals to join us for a dedicated day of learning and professional connection.
Under the theme “Holding Space, Sharing Skills,” this event will explore practical approaches to delivering compassionate, evidence-informed education that meets the needs of today’s families.
This is an opportunity to:
• Strengthen clinical and educational practice
• Share insights with peers
• Reflect on contemporary challenges
• Re-energise your professional commitment
Spaces are limited to maintain a quality learning environment.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE UPDATES ABOUT THIS EVENT COMING SOON!
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