As conversations around maternal health in Arkansas were gaining urgency throughout 2024, one challenge remained clear: many people still did not understand the role doulas play in supporting mothers and improving birth outcomes.

To help address that gap, The Peacock Group partnered Excel by Eight to support the launch of the Doula Alliance of Arkansas (DA-AR). With seed funding by Ingeborg Initiatives, DA-AR is a statewide organization focused on advocacy, education and expanding support for doulas across Arkansas.

Our team worked alongside doulas, healthcare leaders and policymakers to shape the organization’s public identity and build a coalition capable of moving the conversation forward. We developed messaging that emphasized collaboration between doulas and medical providers while positioning DA-AR as a trusted voice in maternal health.

The work included a statewide launch press conference, media outreach and spokesperson preparation for community leaders and advocates, many of whom had little prior media experience. We helped prepare them to speak confidently about maternal health challenges and the importance of doula care in ways that resonated with lawmakers, healthcare providers and families alike.

Over the course of a year, the campaign secured more than 60 media placements reaching more than 260 million people statewide and beyond. DA-AR leaders became regular voices in maternal health conversations surrounding policy reform and access to care.

The coalition also helped build momentum during the 2025 legislative session, contributing to the passage of the Certified Community-Based Doula Act and broader maternal health legislation that expanded support for doula services in Arkansas.

Today, DA-AR is recognized as a leading voice in maternal health advocacy with growing membership, statewide partnerships and an expanding network of supporters across Arkansas communities.