PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A new pilot program in Pennsylvania hopes to improve the health outcomes of pregnant women in prison by providing them with doulas.
A doula is a pregnancy support person who provides continuous emotional and physical guidance throughout pregnancy.
“Doulas support pregnant people by providing continuous emotional and physical support and information and resources throughout a pregnancy and beyond,” said acting Pennsylvania Human Services Secretary Meg Snead. “We want all children to grow and thrive, and we want parents to know that they’re supported through every step of this journey.”
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Seven women have participated in the state program so far, which is funded in part by the Tuttleman Foundation.
Gerria Coffee, founder of Genesis Birth Services, is among the doulas participating in the pilot program at State Correctional Institution Muncy, about 80 miles north of Harrisburg. She said pregnancy advocates like doulas contribute to better health outcomes for mother and baby.
Pregnancy is a vulnerable time, she added, and it can be even more stressful while incarcerated.
“To be able to hold someone’s hand and say, ‘You can do this, you got this, your body was designed to do this, I’m here with you, what are your concerns?’ All of these are priceless experiences — experiences that anyone who is giving birth deserves,” she explained.
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Pennsylvania first lady Frances Wolf said the doula program aims to empower new mothers as they prepare to re-enter their communities.
“This is a program that wraps its arms not just around the incarcerated women but around the entire family,” she said.