Empowering Australia’s Birth Educators
Supporting and Advancing Childbirth and Parenting Education across Australia.
Supporting midwives and health professionals with globally recognised standards and peer-driven resources for over 40 years.
Who We Are
Dedicated to Nurturing Excellence
CAPEA is the peak body for professional educators specialising in the transition to parenthood. We bridge the gap between clinical expertise and pedagogical excellence.
For Parents
Find certified educators and evidence-based preparation resources for your journey.
For Health Professionals
Access the 2025 National Standards, peer networks, and advanced training tools.
Professional Framework
National Standards for Childbirth & Parenting Educators
2012
First Published
2018
2nd Edition
2025
Latest Revision
Global
First of its Kind
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 released at the 2025 CAPEA National Conference in Newcastle NSW.
2025 EDITION
Membership Benefits
Value for every stage of your career
IJBPE Journal
Receive the International Journal of Birth and Parenting Education hard copy delivered to your door, plus full electronic access to the members-only archive.
Member Discounts
Exclusive discounts on all CAPEA-hosted training days, conferences, webinars and professional development events throughout the year.
Professional Network
Connect with a national community of childbirth and parenting educators — share knowledge, find mentors and collaborate with peers across Australia.
CAPEA Certification
Membership is the first step toward CAPEA Certification — a nationally and internationally recognised credential that validates your skills.
Voting Rights
Exercise your democratic rights — vote in CAPEA elections and have a genuine say in shaping the future of the profession in Australia.
Publish & Contribute
Share your expertise by contributing articles and insights to CAPEA publications and build your professional profile across the sector.
Leadership Roles
Members can nominate for committee positions and leadership roles, helping guide CAPEA’s strategic direction at a national level.
INTERACTION Archive
Access the full archive of INTERACTION — CAPEA’s legacy journal — covering decades of childbirth and parenting education research and practice.
Professional Development Self-Assessment Tool
Map your professional growth against the National Standards. Our comprehensive PDF assessment tool helps you identify strengths and areas for future development.
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Birth and Parenting Educators Assessment Tool.pdf
What our members say about CAPEA
Real stories from educators, midwives and professionals across Australia.
“It was a privilege to meet and speak with such a diverse group of professionals. So much to learn! This has opened my eyes to all the possibilities out there for midwifery and childbirth education. I will be continuing to follow the organisation and would love to attend again next year.”
Chloe Passmore
CAPEA STUDENT MEMBER
“I started as an educator after having our second child and really felt that education made a huge difference for me and I wanted to share that knowledge. I realised the benefit of joining CAPEA when I began attending further education opportunities offered by CAPEA and meeting the dedicated educators involved in the organisation.”
Sue Spencer
NSW GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBER
“I joined CAPEA to ensure that the quality and delivery of our education programs were kept to the highest of standards and to ensure our educators could provide equity of education for women and families in our local region.”
Jenny Oppedisano
CAPEA MEMBER
Membership Plans
Invest in your professional future
1 Year Membership
$99/year
- Hard copy IJBPE Journal
- Electronic archive access
- Conference & event discounts
- Full voting rights
BEST VALUE
2 Year Membership
$178/2 years
SAVE $20
- All 1-Year benefits
- Priority event booking
- Fixed price protection
- Extended certification eligibility
Secure payment via PayPal · Credit cards accepted · Instant access upon joining
Common Questions
Who can join CAPEA?
CAPEA membership is open to anyone involved in childbirth and parenting education, including midwives, child health nurses, physiotherapists, and community educators.
Are the standards recognised globally?
Yes, CAPEA’s standards were the first of their kind globally and have been used as a template for other international childbirth education bodies.
How do I access the INTERACTION Journal?
The journal is available exclusively to members through our digital portal. Physical copies of the IJBPE are distributed to professional members as part of membership.
Stay Informed
Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates on the 2025 National Standards, clinical research, and upcoming professional development workshops.
