Doulaing Incarcerated Women and the Radio Show

I don't talk about it often enough, but some of the work I do as a doula that is very near and dear to my heart is working with expectant mothers at the Shakopee Women's Prison in Minnesota. This is a relatively new program I have been with over the past year. Yes, there are many expectant mothers in our county jails, and even in our prison system. These women who give birth while incarcerated go through so much. They face birth with two guards present throughout the process, but neither of whom can offer support to this mother as that is not their role. Within one to two days, as the mother is discharged from the hospital to go back to the prison, the mother has to say goodbye to her baby.

For those of you who have had babies before, can you even imagine saying goodbye to your baby after just 24-48 hours of meeting them face to face? It is almost unfathomable what these mother go through. Their babies typically go with a family member until the mother is released, but occasionally the baby will go into foster care-- something the mothers are often fearful of as many hope to re-unite with their babies once they are released.

I have the incredible honor and privelege of being present with some of these women. I can massage their backs and give a foot rub, offer a hug or encouraging word, help them get into comfortable positions for labor, help them understand what their choices and options are, and most importantly, help them bond with their babies as much as possible before they have to say goodbye. I take pictures of them with their babies that they can keep a few of to look at once they are separated from their baby. The women absolutely love having a doula for that part.

In exchange, the women who have a doula participate in a quarterly series of childbirth education and parenting topics. These women come from all sorts of backgrounds, and share a desire to give all that they can to their children. I learn so so much being with these women.

I could go on and on about the excellence of this program-- called Isis Rising, founded by Everyday Miracles, but please listen to what some of the moms who have participated say about it themselves. Here is a great radio show that Isis Rising was featured in. Please take a listen. If you care at all about birth or the rights of women, this will touch your heart.

http://everydaymiracles-minneapolis.blogspot.com/