Peer support connects you with others who have gone through similar experiences. It's a space to share, listen and feel understood without judgement. Talking to someone who “gets it” can reduce isolation, offer practical coping strategies and provide a sense of reassurance during difficult moments.
About peer support
The perinatal period is a time of significant physical, emotional and social change. Alongside the joys of this phase of life, many people experience unexpected challenges, including infertility, pregnancy or infant loss, birth trauma, feeding difficulties, relationship changes and mental health concerns. These experiences can feel isolating and difficult to talk about.
Peer support and peer-delivered interventions connect people with others who have similar lived or living experience. This can offer a unique kind of understanding that complements professional care by reducing isolation, normalizing feelings and empowering people to make more informed choices about their care.
Below, you'll find a list of peer support options — both local and national, with in-person and virtual formats — so you can choose what feels most comfortable and accessible for you.
A support group for young mothers and pregnant women between the ages of 16 and 29. It offers weekly programs in St. John's and Conception Bay South where moms and their children can connect with others, take part in healthy activities and get support with parenting, mental health, education, nutrition, finances and other challenges. The program also offers child-minding, advocacy, and meals for moms and children.
Free, accessible peer support options for new and expecting parents across NL. Trained peer supporters with lived experience provide non-judgmental support through groups, wellness workshops or one-on-one conversations. Support is available online and by phone, with in-person options in the metro area.
Low-cost online community for parents in NL. It helps parents feel less alone by connecting them with others who are going through similar experiences. Members can join groups, meet other parents, attend online talks, ask questions and access local supports.
Free phone and text support to people who are pregnant, parenting a child under three or supporting a parent. Provided by trained peer supporters located in British Columbia but available across Canada. They also offer free online resources, videos and educational materials.
Virtual peer support groups and a one-to-one peer mentor program, where parents can connect with trained peer supporters with lived experience with perinatal mental health challenges. PSI also offers free phone and text support for perinatal mental health concerns.
Peer support is led and run by peers — people who have lived through similar experiences and understand what you're going through. You can benefit from the wisdom of those who've navigated pregnancy, loss, postpartum and more. If you'd like to become a peer support volunteer and help others on their journey, click below to learn how you can get involved.
Some opportunities focus on connection and shared experience through community-based groups or more informal social networks. Others are led by trained peer supporters who provide structured one-to-one or group support. Some peer workers receive specialized training and work alongside healthcare professionals to deliver evidence-informed interventions as part of an integrated care team.
Groups and social networks focused on shared experiences, creating safe environments to talk openly and reduce isolation together.
Structured, specialized one-to-one or small group support delivered by peers who have undergone formal training to guide others safely.
Peer workers delivering evidence-informed interventions hand in hand with medical professionals inside clinical health spaces.
The stepped-care philosophy
Within a “stepped-care” approach, peer support and peer-delivered interventions can provide meaningful support across different levels of need. They may be helpful as an early source of support, alongside services such as primary care, counselling, therapy or psychiatry, or as part of ongoing recovery and wellbeing. They complement professional healthcare, counselling, therapy or other perinatal support services.
Lifewise connects you to trained peers in NL. Call their Warmline, available daily between 10:00 am and midnight, at
1-855-753-2560Call Lifewise WarmlineCanadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings (CPMHT) offers a perinatal mental health training course specifically for peers.
Explore CPMHT trainings (opens in a new tab)