Implications for practice and research

• Consideration of individual needs related to pregnancy, birthing and postpartum care alongside contemporary corrections practices should guide policy and practice development.

• Future research should investigate maternal and fetal outcomes from a systems level at the intersection of health and corrections.

Context

Global rates of incarcerated women are increasing, many being of childbearing age. Mothering in prison impacts the health and well-being of the family and the social fabric of their communities. The existing literature shows children with an incarcerated parent are more likely to become enmeshed in the justice system themselves and the incurred costs for governments …