IMPACT LIFE — EST. 2020
Peer support doula program
Compassionate Support for Pregnant and Parenting Individuals
This initiative is a powerful extension of our mission to provide compassionate, person-centered care to pregnant and parenting individuals impacted by substance use and behavioral health challenges.
WHAT IS A DOULA?
A doula is a trained professional who provides non-medical emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. At Impact Life, our Peer Support Doulas are certified peers who bring both lived experience and specialized training to support birthing individuals navigating complex systems and recovery. Each doula offers one-on-one support throughout pregnancy and for up to 12 months postpartum, with a focus on:
Reducing stigma in the healthcare process
Building trust between families and service providers
Improving maternal and infant outcomes
Supporting emotional well-being and parenting confidence
Why Peer Support Doulas?
Research has consistently shown that doulas—particularly those with lived experience—improve health outcomes for both parents and babies. Peer support doulas help fill critical gaps in care by offering culturally respectful, trauma-informed, and stigma-free support that is often missing in traditional settings.
Peer doulas also assist with:
Labor and postpartum support
Accessing treatment, recovery resources, and basic needs
Navigating healthcare and social services
Encouraging parental engagement and adherence to treatment
ADDRESSING A CRITICAL NEED
In the United States, the postpartum period is one of the most vulnerable times for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). Overdose is a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths, and many individuals lose access to care or support after giving birth. Peer support doulas are uniquely positioned to provide continuous, individualized care during this critical window—improving safety, wellness, and long-term outcomes.
OUR MODEL IN DELAWARE
Impact Life will serve as Delaware’s only peer-led entity providing this model of care. In partnership with the Delaware Perinatal Quality Collaborative and Maternal Child Health stakeholders, we will:
Employ 5 certified peer support doulas
Offer statewide services with a focus on vulnerable and underserved communities
Conduct ongoing research to ensure fidelity and successful outcomes
PEER SUPPORT DOULA PROGRAM
join us in making a lasting impact
In partnership with the Delaware Perinatal Quality Collaborative and Maternal Child Health stakeholders.
Have additional questions about the Peer Support Doula Program or looking to get involved?
Feel free to get in touch with us at any time.