In conversations about maternity care in the United States, clinical services often take center stage. But one critical element—peer support—is too often left out of the discussion. It’s not medical, it’s not policy-driven, and yet it may be one of the most powerful tools for improving maternal health outcomes.
At Vita Nova Maternity Community, peer support isn’t an afterthought. It’s woven into everything we do.
What is peer support—and why does it matter?
Peer support means expecting and new mothers coming together to share their experiences, encourage each other and build a network of care. It’s about solidarity—women helping women navigate pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood through shared understanding.
Research shows that peer support can dramatically reduce feelings of isolation, especially among mothers who are facing poverty, homelessness or trauma. It can also reduce symptoms of postpartum depression and increase confidence in parenting decisions. And yet, in the United States, it remains an often-overlooked part of the maternal care conversation.
This lack of attention is especially concerning in “maternity care deserts”—regions where access to prenatal and postnatal care is severely limited. In these areas, peer support can be a lifeline, filling the emotional and informational voids left by under-resourced healthcare systems. (Nebraska ranks 5th in the country in the number of maternity care deserts nationwide. Make sure you read our previous blog on this issue.)
How Vita Nova builds community
Vita Nova offers safe housing, educational opportunities and life skills support to pregnant women and young mothers in crisis. But more than that, it fosters belonging.
Residents of Vita Nova live together in a structured, nurturing environment designed to build mutual respect and shared strength. By living alongside others on a similar journey, women create bonds that empower them to heal, grow and thrive—together. These connections often extend well beyond their time on campus, building a lasting support network.
Peer support at Vita Nova isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s part of the healing process. It’s part of the education. And it’s part of what gives women the strength to imagine—and build—a better future.
A global contrast: The U.K.’s embrace of peer support
Unlike the U.S., the United Kingdom has embraced peer support as a formal component of perinatal care. Organizations like the Maternal Mental Health Alliance champion structured peer programs, guided by national principles that emphasize trust, inclusivity and empowerment.
A 2020 review by the U.K.’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence found that peer-delivered interventions could significantly reduce perinatal depression and anxiety. These programs are recognized not only for their emotional impact, but also for their ability to reach marginalized populations more effectively than traditional care alone.
It’s a model worth studying—and emulating.
It’s time to talk about peer support
Peer support is not a replacement for medical care—but it is an essential part of holistic maternity care. In places like Vita Nova, we see its power in action: women lifting each other up, forming meaningful bonds, and building stronger families through community.
As the U.S. reckons with maternity care deserts and persistent disparities, it’s time to elevate peer support from the margins to the mainstream. Because no one should have to face motherhood alone.