Support programs for pregnant women in prison and their babies
Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Programs for Women in Prison: Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes
This study is looking at how having doulas—supportive helpers during pregnancy and after childbirth—can make a positive difference for women in prison who are expecting or have just had a baby, and it aims to find the best ways to help them stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11044138 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how enhanced pregnancy and postpartum support programs can improve health outcomes for women incarcerated in prisons. It focuses on the use of doulas, who provide non-medical support during pregnancy and after childbirth, to help these women navigate their unique challenges. The study will take place in six different prisons across the country, aiming to gather data on the effectiveness of these programs in promoting maternal and neonatal health. By identifying best practices and barriers to implementation, the research seeks to provide actionable insights for prisons looking to improve care for pregnant inmates.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who are currently incarcerated in participating prisons.
Not a fit: Women who are not pregnant or who are not incarcerated may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for both incarcerated mothers and their newborns.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that doula support can lead to better maternal and neonatal outcomes, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shlafer, Rebecca J. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Shlafer, Rebecca J.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.