So what in the world do all these letters mean?

Doula*:

Trained Doula:  the doula has completed course work or attended a doula training.  Organizations vary and may or may not offer a certification program.  Individuals should feel free to talk with each doula about their training program.

CD:  birth doula certified through through one or more professional accrediting organizations.

PCD:  postpartum doula certified through through one or more professional accrediting organizations.

*  It is important to note that doulas are not professionally licensed and anybody can use the term.  That said, many of our doulas are certified through various nationally-accredited certifying agencies.  As part of the interviewing process we recommend investigating the methods of training and/or certification your doula might have completed. 

Childbirth Educator:

LCCE:  Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator

CCE:  Certified Childbirth Educator (certification organizations will vary).

CBE:  Childbirth Educator (organizations will vary)

CBEd:  Childbirth Educator (organizations will vary)

Lactation:

CLE:  Certified Lactation Educator

LLC:  Licensed Lactation Consultant

IBCLC:  International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Midwifery:

CPM:  Certified Professional Midwife -- a professional independent midwifery practitioner who has met the standards for certification set by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and is qualified to provide the midwifery model of care.  The CPM is the only international credential that requires knowledge about and experience in out-of-hospital settings.

CNM:  Certified Nurse Midwife -- a registered nurse who has graduated from a nurse-midwifery education program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) [formerly the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Division of Accreditation (DOA)] and has passed a national certification examination to receive the professional designation of Certified Nurse-Midwife.  Nurse-midwives have been practicing in the U.S. since the 1920's.

Other Related Professions: 

MSN:  Master of Science in Nursing

RN:  Registered Nurse

CMT:  Certified Massage Therapist

MSW:  Master of Social Work

RMT:  Reiki Master Teacher