Pregnancy support for incarcerated mothers: Results from a prison doula pilot project

Background: Since 1990, the rate of maternal incarceration in the United States has nearly doubled. Three-quarters of incarcerated women are of reproductive age, 61% have minor children and approximately 6-10% are pregnant. Pregnant prisoners experience multiple risk factors (e.g., chemical and mental health problems, poor prenatal care), which may contribute to their increased risk for poor birth outcomes. We conducted a prison-based doula pilot program and examined the experiences of participating doulas. Methods: Isis Rising is comprised of two interrelated components: a 12-week Pregnancy and Mothering Support Group available to women with young children, and a Doula Program for pregnant women. Doulas meet with pregnant women once per month to provide prenatal education, birth planning, and emotional support. When the woman is transferred to the hospital, the doula meets the woman and stays with her throughout the labor and delivery. Following the birth, the doula provides support when the woman is separated from her baby and completes two post-partum visits when she returns to the prison. Results: We will present quantitative and qualitative data from doulas' case notes, including commonly noted prenatal concerns (e.g., fetal drug exposure), topics addressed during prenatal education sessions (e.g., nutrition, birth planning), labor and delivery outcomes, and doulas' reflections of women's birth experience. Conclusions: Strengths and challenges of the pilot program will be presented and implications for future research and prison policy will be discussed.