Step 1: Consider the role.
The first step toward becoming a bereavement doula is discerning – deeply considering – 1) whether the work is right for you and, 2) if so, if now is the time to pursue it.
One of our values at Haven Bereavement Doulas is sustainability, meaning that we want you to be able to do this work both well and healthily. Some folks decide not to become bereavement doulas; other folks decide to start their training right away; and still other folks decide to become bereavement doulas but to wait until they have what they need. We work to support you in any of those paths.
You can take this free short course to help you in your discernment of those options.
Step 2: Take a training.
Next, you can sign up for a Haven Bereavement Doula Training. Upcoming dates with available registration spots are listed below:
10am-12pm Central Tuesday mornings, May 27- July 1, 2025
7-9pm Central Tuesday evenings, October 7-November 11, 2025 (join the waitlist for this and future dates here)
Keep in mind that the cost of training will increase to $557 in 2026.
Tentative 2026 dates (Central time zone):
Wednesday nights, January-February
Saturday mornings, March-April
Tuesday nights, July-August
Monday afternoons, October-November
More information about the training
Step 3 (for some): Certify.
You do not need to become fully certified as an HCBD Haven Certified Bereavement Doula after this training. You can take the training alone. However, the cost of certification is included in your training price of $457 (increasing to $557 in 2026); other than access to some books, this package accounts for every cost involved in becoming an HCBD Haven Certified Bereavement Doula.
HCBD Haven Certified Bereavement Doulas provide the highest level of research-based, grief-informed, holistic, and professional bereavement doula support. The certification requirements include:
- completion of our Bereavement Doula Training (which includes membership for 1 year),
- membership in good standing (cost is currently $40 a year, waived for the first year),
- agreement with our code of ethics and scope of practice,
- completion of our reading list,
- skills practicum, and
- a reflection.
Each HCBD Haven Certified Bereavement Doula will be listed on our directory, if they so choose, and will receive access to continuing education opportunities, community, and ongoing institutional support.
Certification and recertification applications are reviewed monthly. Certification in good standing requires renewal every four years.
More information about certification
Step 4: Serve.
Finally, you begin the work. As you do, our community will be behind you, supporting you every bit of the way.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take this training without being a doula already?
Can I take this training if I’m not a woman?
Can I do bereavement doula work without being able to be on call for births?
Absolutely; here are several ideas. Haven Bereavement Doulas perform many types of bereavement work, including long-term advocacy, support groups, public education through books and articles, and more.
Do I need to belong to a particular gender or religion to become a bereavement doula?
No, not with our program. The Haven Bereavement Doula Community is made up of a diverse group of people, which is an important feature of its beauty.
What if I have other questions?
Join one of our free Bereavement Doula Q&A sessions, where you can ask these questions to one of the Haven staff!
Recertification Process
In order to recertify, HCBD Haven Certified Bereavement Doulas complete four requirements:
- 10 hours of continuing education every 4 years. Hours must be completed since the date of certification or last recertification.
- At least 5 of these hours must be perinatal loss specific.
- The other 5 can be about birth, grief / death, or doula work.
- Courses from Haven Bereavement Doulas will always be accepted.
- Courses from the following organizations are among those very likely to accepted, as long as they pertain to grief, birth, or death: DONA International; Robin Elise Weiss; and the Institute for the Study of Birth, Breath, and Death. If you have questions about what qualifies, email us.
- Required attendance at two community events (Happy Hour, a book club, a skills session, coworking, etc.) at some point in the 4 years. If you have questions about what qualifies, email us.
- Required reading of two grief-related books. All options on the Haven Reading List not previously read qualify for this requirement, as do any books covered in a Haven Book Club. If you have questions about what qualifies, email us.
- Pay a $70 recertification fee.
Recertification details and trackers are available through your xperiencify recertification course.