Why is there a need for PRISM?
The Situation
Incarcerated people who are pregnant have historically been under-supported in the United States. According to the PIPS Study, which is the first data collection conducted regarding pregnancy and incarceration. From 2016 to 2017 there were 3000 admissions of pregnant people in US prisons each year. Before the Development of the PRISM Program Pennsylvania State Corrections did not have programs in place to provide lactation birth support to postpartum people, there are approximately 30 to 50 pregnancies a year within Pennsylvania's state correctional facilities, while over half of all women in U.S. prisons and 80 percent of women in jails are mothers.
The P.R.I.S.M. Program: Empowering Communities
Supporting The P.R.I.S.M. Program Means Supporting Families in Your Community
Incarcerated pregnant women and birthing people are more likely to have these and other risk factors for poor perinatal outcomes than are nonincarcerated pregnant women. Research shows that continuous emotional, physical, and informational support by Doulas improves birth outcomes. Pennsylvania averages 50-70 births a year to incarcerated mothers/parents, that is 3-4 births a month.
Genesis Birth Services charitable division, The PRISM Program is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that addresses maternal health and racial disparities by providing trauma informed, culturally competent, and culturally congruent Doula Support in pregnancy and postpartum through telehealth and in person visits. The program centers the needs of parents, infants and the caregivers in the community supporting the infants and children born to incarcerated parents.
Studies have shown that breastfeeding/ providing human milk has a positive impact on the mental health of parent and child. Mental health is of great concern when discussing the needs of support for incarcerated families. Breastfeeding and pumping additionally provides sense of purpose for mothers who are separated from their infants withing 24 hours of giving birth. The PRISM program will coordinate with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, and Department of Human Services to make resources available to educate and assist parents and corrections staff with milk expression, storage, and delivery of human milk to children.
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Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission to expand access to support to one of the most vulnerable populations in Pennsylvania and the United States.