title: Doulas' Perspectives about Providing Support to Incarcerated Women: A Feasibility Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To document the logistical feasibility of a doula program for pregnant incarcerated women and to assess doulas' perceptions of their achievements.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six doulas provided written case notes ("birth stories") about their experiences with 18 pregnant women in one Midwestern state prison.
  
  
  METHODS
  The birth stories were analyzed by two coders to identify major themes related to doulas' perceptions about providing support to incarcerated women. Analyses involved coder consensus about major themes and doula affirmation of findings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All doulas reported that they met key objectives for a successful relationship with each of their clients. Key themes were their ability to empower clients, establish a trusting relationship, normalize the delivery, and support women as they were separated from their newborns.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The intervention was logistically feasible, suggesting that doulas can adapt their practice for incarcerated women. Doulas may need specific training to prepare themselves for institutional restrictions that may conflict with the traditional roles of doula care. It may be important for doulas to understand the level of personal and professional resources they may have to expend to support incarcerated women if they are separated from their infants soon after delivery.
authors: Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors: Rebecca J
authors: RJ
authors: Shlafer
authors: Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors: Wendy L
authors: WL
authors: Hellerstedt
authors: Nursing Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota.
authors: Molly
authors: M
authors: Secor-Turner
authors: Isis Rising - Everyday Miracles, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors: Erica
authors: E
authors: Gerrity
authors: Isis Rising - Everyday Miracles, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors: Rae
authors: R
authors: Baker
mesh_terms: D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000451:nursing*; D059037:Doulas / Q000523:psychology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D011330:Prisons; D012944:Social Support
keywords: doulas; narratives; pregnancy; prisoners; qualitative research; women's health