About Us
The Perinatal Equity and Care for Everyone (P.E.A.C.E.) Project provides clients, families and professionals with information about prenatal, postpartum and infant resources available in Howard County. Anyone in Howard County is eligible to request a referral through this program. For more information about this project, email HCHDpeace@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-7540.
P.E.A.C.E. Project Services
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!
Doula Resources (for Clients)
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!
Doula Partnership Program (for Doulas)
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
Medicaid Credentialing Resources for Doulas
- Doula Medicaid Credentialing Manual
- Doula Medicaid Credentialing Checklist
- Doula Medicaid Credentialing and Billing Training
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!
Certified Doula Training
Interested in becoming a certified doula? This fall, we’re partnering with Sweet Bee Services to offer a Full Spectrum Doula Training for those ready to begin their journey. If you’re passionate about supporting birthing people and want to explore the vital role of a doula, we invite you to apply today! Application deadline: July 31, 2025
Maternal Mental Health Hotline
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
How is a Doula different from a Midwife?
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.
Are Doula services covered by insurance?
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.
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Birth Doulas average $800.00-$2,400.00 per birth
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Postpartum Doulas average $18.00-$50.00 per hour
How do I know if I’m eligible for Doula services through the PEACE Project?
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.
What should I expect during a Doula’s prenatal visits?
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.
How does a Doula assist in postpartum recovery?
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.
How do I find a Doula who aligns with my birth preferences?
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.
How much time should I give myself to find and match with a Doula?
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
Diaper Giveaways
The PEACE Project is hosting upcoming FREE diaper giveaways at the Howard County Health Department, Heroes Room B (8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045) from 10:30a - 12:30p (while supplies last) on the following date: August 15. Walk-in only; no registration required. Our PEACE Project team will be on-hand to answer questions and provide resources for other pregnancy needs.
Additional Resources
English Language
- Benefits of a Doula (DONA International)
- Doulas can improve care before, during, and after childbirth (March of Dimes)
- Doula Information (Cleveland Clinic)
Spanish Language
- 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)
Request Educational Materials
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)