What Certification Includes
To earn your HCBD credential, you’ll complete the following steps:
1. Take the Haven Bereavement Doula Training
A six-session foundational course covering:
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All of the types of support, including: physical, emotional, spiritual and philosophical, advocational, informational, and social.
-
The role and scope of a bereavement doula
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Emotional, social, spiritual, and informational support
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Advocacy in loss spaces
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Navigating grief across different trimesters
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Building a grief-informed practice
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Includes bonus course: Labor and Birth Before 20 Weeks Gestation
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Includes 1 year of Haven membership (a $60 value)
Join our last cohort of the year kicking off October 7, 2025
Or join one of our other upcoming cohorts:
Become a
Haven-Certified
Bereavement Doula
The highest level of research-based, grief-informed, and holistic bereavement doula support.
Why Certify?
While our flagship bereavement doula training gives you everything you need to begin walking with families through loss—certification offers an even deeper level of preparation, professional recognition, and community of support at no additional tuition cost.
What Certification Includes
To earn your HCBD credential, you’ll complete the following steps:
Step 1.
Take the Haven Bereavement Doula Training
A six-session foundational course covering:
-
All of the types of support including: physical, emotional, spiritual and philosophical, advocational, informational, and social.
-
The role and scope of a bereavement doula
-
Emotional, social, spiritual, and informational support
-
Advocacy in loss spaces
-
Navigating grief across different trimesters
-
Building a grief-informed practice
-
Includes bonus course: Labor and Birth Before 20 Weeks Gestation
-
Includes 1 year of Haven membership (a $60 value)
Join our last cohort of the year kicking off October 7, 2025
Or join one of our other upcoming cohorts:
2. Complete the HCBD Reading List
Thoughtfully curated books and articles across several key areas of bereavement support designed to deepen your understanding of birth, grief, culture, and ethical practice, including:
-
Birth Education
-
Grief Education
-
Cultural Competency – Race
-
Cultural Competency – Spirituality
-
History of Birth/Loss Support
-
Children’s Books
-
Business Strategy and Ethics
Step 2.
Complete the HCBD Reading List
Thoughtfully curated books and articles across several key areas of bereavement support designed to deepen your understanding of birth, grief, culture, and ethical practice, including:
-
Birth Education
-
Grief Education
-
Cultural Competency – Race
-
Cultural Competency – Spirituality
-
History of Birth/Loss Support
-
Children’s Books
-
Business Strategy and Ethics
You'll have 4 years to complete the certification process
3. Complete the Final Components &
Submit Your Application
Final Components Include:
-
Scenario responses to real-life loss situations
-
A community-specific resource list
-
A personal reflection (written, audio, video, or art)
-
An attestation of our Code of Ethics, Scope of Practice, and Grievance Process
Applications are reviewed every month, recertification is required every 4 years. (View recertification requirements)
Step 3.
Complete the Final Components & Submit Your Application
Final Components Include:
-
Scenario responses to real-life loss situations
-
A community-specific resource list
-
A personal reflection (written, audio, video, or art)
-
An attestation of our Code of Ethics, Scope of Practice, and Grievance Process
You'll have 4 years to complete the certification process
Applications are reviewed every month, recertification is required every 4 years. (View recertification requirements)
Ongoing Support
for Haven-Certified Bereavement Doulas
You Don't Have to Do This Alone
Join our Network of Ongoing Support & Community with Peers Who Truly Get It
Becoming certified is just the beginning. As a Haven Certified Bereavement Doula, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive, professional community that continues to walk with you as you grow.
All Haven-Certified Bereavement Doulas Gain Access to:
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Haven's online directory listing to help families connect with your care (optional)
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Exclusive discounts on future paid trainings and resources
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Regular Haven Happy Hours, where we gather to connect, share, and support one another
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Ongoing mentorship and community support from people who truly understand this work
Not sure if this is the right path for you?
Join an Upcoming Q&A or book a mentor call with with one of our expert bereavement doulas. We'd be happy to answer your questions and provide more insight into what this work entails.