Enhanced perinatal programs for people in prisons: A summary of six states' programs

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine enhanced perinatal support programs for pregnant and postpartum people in six state prisons, describe the service components offered by each program, and discuss similarities and differences of services offered between programs. Methods: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with each program's site lead(s) in order to collect information regarding each program's historical context, conception, and key aspects of the implementation of service components offered at each site. Results: Program components fell into five broad categories: group-based education and support, one-on-one support, labor and birth support, lactation facilitation and support, and other support services. Results highlight similarities and differences within and across programs and common themes that govern program success. Conclusions: This study provides an initial understanding of the variation in enhanced perinatal programming in six state prisons and offers insights for other states interested in establishing these types of programs. These programs implemented individual components piecemeal to fit site-specific context and needs, instead of adopting the entirety of another program model. Programs' success was largely dependent upon collaboration between program facilitators and partnering prison sites.