https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 16 May 2026 03:29:13 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babies-behind-bars#post-582518 Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:12:57 +0000 Arden 582518@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: I do volunteer doula work with underprivileged women now (low income) and I think that work is important too, but I think these incarcerated women need the support even more. They have no options, no access to education, nothing. </p> <p>I was just looking into becoming a breastfeeding peer counselor for WIC, but maybe I can do both. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babies-behind-bars#post-582508 Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:09:47 +0000 blackbird 582508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My doula did a ton of volunteering with underprivileged mothers groups before going into private practice. She said it was a very eye opening and rewarding experience. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babies-behind-bars#post-582492 Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:07:30 +0000 Arden 582492@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Its heartbreaking. The women have no idea what to expect, no control over their birth whatsoever (a lot of them are given unneeded inductions early and unnecessary c-sections, even the doctor on the show came out and said that it was for the best of the system, not the woman), they are scared out of their minds because they have no education about birth, and they are shackled to the bed (even non-violent offenders). </p> <p>It seems so heartless, there have got to be better ways to approach this. I realize there are restrictions due to security and state finances, but all human beings deserve dignity. Especially in birth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babies-behind-bars#post-582425 Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:52:28 +0000 MediaNaranja 582425@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't personally know about any organizations, but I am sure they exist. My guess is that they would be happy if you volunteered your doula services, and I bet the mothers would be as well. Good luck, let us know how this goes! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babies-behind-bars#post-582377 Thu, 21 Feb 2013 11:42:27 +0000 immabeetoo 582377@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't heard of the show but remember an art exhibit done by moms who were incarcerated and their children. Heartbreaking. I know I've read some prisons mandate cartoons without telling the moms ahead of time to prevent escape attempts. I've also read some prisons working towards moms being on house arrest instead so they can be with their babies so hopefully that's the direction policies move towards! I am sure your services would be needed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babies-behind-bars#post-582009 Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:13:15 +0000 Arden 582009@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Has anyone seen the TV show "Babies Behind Bars"? It's on right now and it's breaking my heart, both for the mothers and the children.</p> <p>It makes me want to stay in the USA and start some sort of program to help these women and their babies (childbirth education, free doula services, lactation consulting, adoption counseling, parenting classes, etc). Maybe someday in the future if we come back to America that's what I will do. </p> <p>For now I'm going to call my local women's prison and ask about volunteering doula services at least for now while I'm here in the states.</p> <p>Does anyone know anything about programs or charities or something for mothers in prison? I want to find out more about how I can help. </p>