P.E.A.C.E. Project
Perinatal Equity And Care for Everyone (P.E.A.C.E.) Project
About Us
The P.E.A.C.E. Project connects community members and professionals with vital prenatal, postpartum, and infant resources. Every resident in Howard County is eligible for our referral services, ensuring families get the guidance they need. For more details or to get started, email HCHDpeace@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-7540.
We haven't forgotten you (even after your baby arrives)
The journey doesn't end when your baby is born—and neither does our support. We are here to remind you that you still have a village. Whether you are navigating the early days of parenthood or looking for guidance along the way, anyone in the community can request a referral at no cost and with zero barriers. Reach out today and let us help you find the care you deserve.
Services
We connect clients with:
- Pregnancy resources
- Home visiting referral
- Locating a provider or specialist
- Vaccinations
- WIC referral
- Parenting support resources
- Emotional/mental health resources
- Links to community resources
- Assistance locating childcare
- Childbirth and parenting education
- Teen parenting support referral
- Insurance eligibility
- Pregnancy options counseling
- Pregnancy loss support
This service is provided at no cost and there are no income or medical requirements. Please fill out our P.E.A.C.E. Project Referral Form to get connected to our Care Navigation Team today!
What is a Doula?
The word doula is defined as "a woman who serves." A doula is a hired professional who is trained to provide emotional, physical and informational support during pregnancy, birth and postpartum (after birth). A doula works WITH your medical team to help ensure all your needs are being met and enhance the birth experience. They encourage, assist and guide you and your family through an empowering birth experience. This can include answering any questions you have about childbirth or caring for your baby, assistance with labor positions and breathing, newborn care, mental health check-ins, and more.
The benefits of a doula:
- One-on-one attention during delivery
- Decreased number of c-sections
- Decreased need for medical interventions
- Decreased use of epidural
- Decreased time during labor
- Decreased feelings of a negative birth experience
- Vetted/unbiased resources
Looking for more information about Doulas? Download our Doula brochure. It's also available in Spanish.
Are you a pregnant or postpartum person interested in using a doula? Complete our P.E.A.C.E. Project Referral Form to get started!
What is the Doula Partnership Program?
The Doula Partnership Program was launched in April 2025 to support and grow the network of certified and Medicaid credentialed doulas serving Howard County. Certified doulas working in Howard County that enroll in the program will receive in-depth Medicaid credentialing and billing training as well as have access to:
- Promotion & Marketing through HCHD Network
- Ongoing Client Referrals
- Client Screening & Coordination
- Continuing Education & Training
- Quarterly Meet-Ups & Networking Opportunities
To support doulas while they pursue Medicaid credentialing, HCHD will provide direct reimbursement for doula services for referred clients that are privately insured but meet specific family income thresholds. Both Medicaid and eligible privately insured families will work directly with their chosen doula throughout their pregnancy and/or postpartum journey, as well as have access to P.E.A.C.E Project services including postpartum care packages and resource connection.
Doula Partnership Program Flier
Are you a doula interested in learning more about the Doula Partnership Program? Complete our Doula Partnership Interest Form and we will reach out with more information!
Interested in becoming a certified doula? Our Full Spectrum Doula Training is currently closed while we explore opportunities to sponsor a future session. If you’re eager to support birthing people in Howard County, we encourage you to check back for updates or to explore local and national doula training organizations.
Below are a few organizations to consider—this is not an exhaustive list, and many additional options are available:
- Sweet Bee Services: https://www.sweetbeedoula.com/
- ProDoula: https://www.prodoula.com/
- Ancient Song Doula Services: https://www.ancientsongdoulaservices.com/
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or if you just need someone to talk to?
- Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).
- Get connected to free, confidential, 24/7 mental health support for moms and their families before, during, and after pregnancy.
- Counselors available in over 60 languages
Some common signs of postpartum depression are:
- Feeling sad or hopeless most of the time
- Having no interest in things you used to enjoy
- Not caring for yourself as well (dressing, showering)
- Trouble focusing
- Not managing daily chores
- Sleeping or eating too much or too little
You are not alone
Frequently Asked Questions about Doulas
A doula’s primary role is to provide emotional, physical, and informational support where a midwife handles medical aspects of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care by making clinical decisions and performing exams.
It depends. Maryland Medicaid plans do reimburse for doula services, however, the decision to accept Medicaid lies with the individual doula. Most private insurance plans do not provide reimbursement for doula care. The best way to determine what your options are regarding insurance coverage is to speak with your insurance provider and your doula. The P.E.A.C.E. Project can aid in navigating your options! Just email us or give us a call: HCHDpeace@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-7540.
-
Birth Doulas average $800.00-$2,400.00 per birth
-
Postpartum Doulas average $18.00-$50.00 per hour
We are happy to consult with you to review your options and explore what we can do to support you. Our goal is to make doula care accessible for everyone. Just email us or give us a call: HCHDpeace@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-7540.
During prenatal visits, a doula will get to know your birth preferences, answer any questions you have about labor, delivery, and postpartum care, and help create a birth plan that reflects your desires. They will also provide information on comfort techniques, pain management options, and what to expect during the labor process.
A doula can assist with postpartum recovery by providing physical and emotional support as you adjust to life with a newborn. They may help with breastfeeding support, offer advice, assist with household tasks, or simply listen to your concerns.
The P.E.A.C.E. project has a team of doulas who are based in Howard County, ready to support mothers and families in the community. During the selection process, you will be able to review our list of available doulas, each with their own unique experience and approach. Our doula coordinator will guide you through the process and help you find a perfect match. Just email us or give us a call: HCHDpeace@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-7540.
It’s best to start the doula matching process early, ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy. This allows for ample time for research, interviews, and finding a doula right for you.
Upcoming Events
The PEACE Project is hosting upcoming FREE diaper giveaways at the Howard County Health Department (8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045) from 10:30a - 12:30p (while supplies last) on the following dates: August 11. Walk-in only; no registration required. Our PEACE Project team will be on-hand to answer questions and provide resources for other pregnancy needs.
Come to the rear entrance of our building. Signs will direct you.
Additional Resources
- Benefits of a Doula (DONA International)
- Doulas can improve care before, during, and after childbirth (March of Dimes)
- Doula Information (Cleveland Clinic)
- Value of a Doula (HealthPartners)
- What is a Doula? (DONA International)
- What is a Doula and Why Should Pregnant Families Know (TrueCare)
- Embracing Doula Support: A Guide to Understanding the Benefits and Dispelling the Myths (Kansas Department of Health and Environment)
Want to help spread the word about the P.E.A.C.E Project, doulas, maternal mental health, or other maternal health issues? Complete the form below to request FREE materials for your event or organization. Items are mailed on the first Monday of each month, excluding state holidays:
P.E.A.C.E. Project Materials Order Form
Current Materials Include:
- P.E.A.C.E. Project Flyer (English & Spanish)
- RSV & Tdap Education for Pregnant Moms Flyer (English & Spanish)
- Everything You Need to Know About Doula Support Brochure (English & Spanish)
- Post-Birth Warning Signs Magnet (English ONLY)
- Urgent Maternal Warning Signs Magnet (English & Spanish)
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline Palm Card (English & Spanish)