Pregnant in Prison—The Incarcerated Woman’s Experience: A Preliminary Descriptive Study

Abstract

This is an exploratory study of depression in pregnant women incarcerated in a state prison in California. It was hypothesized that the inmates would experience higher levels of postpartum depression than would nonincarcerated women who have recently given birth. Participants were 120 inmates who recently gave birth while incarcerated. They were interviewed and given the Beck Depression Inventory. It was found that none of the participants were clinically depressed. Descriptive statistics are presented in detail. A qualitative component of the study explored the life experiences of pregnancy by participants. Future research will empirically address the lack of depression or negative reaction to incarcerated pregnancy.

Corrections officers’ knowledge and perspectives of maternal and child health policies and programs for pregnant women in prison

“…We do not know how commonly held this perception is among COs at the prison who did not participate in an interview, but past research has documented similar perceptions by COs and medical security staff in other carceral facilities (Sufrin 2017). Yet, past research with women who have given birth while incarcerated suggests that women do not share the same positive perceptions, reporting that the prenatal care they received was of low quality, being restrained was dehumanizing, and separation from their infants after birth was a traumatic experience (Fritz and Whiteacre 2016;Schroeder and Bell 2005a, b;Williams and Schulte-day 2006;Wismont 2000). Additionally, research with prison administrators and national reviews of prison policies suggests that the majority of prisons are not meeting the prenatal and postnatal needs of pregnant women (Kelsey et al 2017;Ferszt and Clarke 2012;Shlafer et al 2019).…”

“…There are numerous stakeholders in successful implementation of MCH policies and programs in carceral settings, including prison administrators, health services staff, corrections officers (COs), community-based organizations, and incarcerated pregnant women. Previous research has examined the knowledge and perceptions that some of these key stakeholders have of MCH policies and programs for pregnant women in prison (Campbell and Carlson 2012;Ferszt and Clarke 2012;Fritz and Whiteacre 2016;Schroeder and Bell 2005a, b;Shlafer et al 2014;Williams and Schulte-day 2006;Wismont 2000). However, the majority of this research has been with health care providers, particularly nurses (Ferszt et al 2013;Goshin et al 2019;Zust et al 2013), and other key stakeholders have been considered less often.…”

Perinatal Outcomes of Incarcerated Pregnant Women: An Integrative Review

“…This work does not provide estimates of prevalence in pregnancy but does highlight the unique experience of incarcerated mothers: Separation from and attachment to children correlate with higher levels of depression, the influence of the inmate's mother on the context of what is a good mother, and the dichotomous tension (i.e., good mother/bad mother) between expectations and reality for the incarcerated mother. A mixed-methods study by Williams and Schulte-Day (2006) examined depression in a group of 120 inmates who had recently given birth while incarcerated in a state prison in California. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to measure depression in conjunction with a semistructured interview, conducted at intake into the prison, that included pregnancy history, history of incarceration, family support, and plans for newborn care and contact following birth.…”

Women’s Health in Queensland Prisons

“…Other specific subpopulations of incarcerated women also present unique health needs due to their “minority-within-a-minority” status in prison. These subpopulations include pregnant women (Hutchinson, Moore, Propper, & Mariaskin, 2008; Williams & Schulte-Day, 2006), women from non-English speaking backgrounds (Easteal, 1992, 1993), and older women (Baidawi et al, 2011; Harris, Hek, & Condon, 2007). Research examining the health of aging prisoners in Australia has been identified as a priority area (Baidawi et al, 2011).…”