Evaluation of birth companions perinatal and peer support provision in two prison settings in England: a mixed-methods study.

Gill Thomson,Karen Whittaker,Michelle Baybutt,Rose Mortimer

doi:10.1108/ijph-09-2021-0099

Abstract

This paper reports on insights from an evaluation of Birth Companions (BC) (a UK-based charity) perinatal support in two prison settings in England. The initiative involved the provision of group and/or one-to-one perinatal support and training women prisoners as peer supporters. A mixed-methods study was undertaken that involved observations of support groups and peer support supervision sessions (n = 9); audio recorded interviews (n = 33) with prison and health-care staff, women in prison, peer supporters and BC staff; analysis of existing routinely collected data by BC and notes undertaken during regular meetings (n = 10) with the BC Project Manager. Thematic analysis was undertaken supported by MAXQDA qualitative data analysis software. BC provided instrumental/practical support, emotional support, information support, signposting to services and advocating for women to the prison concerning their perinatal needs and rights. Key themes revealed that support had an impact on the lives of perinatal women by creating a safe place characterised by meaningful interactions and women-centred approaches that facilitated access to wider care and support. The service made a difference by empowering women and providing added value for peer supporters, prison, health-care and BC staff. Key enablers and strategies for the care of perinatal women and the delivery of perinatal support are also detailed. Through longitudinal data and the involvement of a range of stakeholders, this study evidences the subtleties of support provided by BC and the potential it has to make a difference to perinatal women in prison and those volunteering or working within the prison system.

Highlights

Perinatal women in custody, which includes those who are pregnant or who have experienced a perinatal loss – miscarriage, termination, stillbirth, child removed following the birth – are a vulnerable population with specific reproductive and psychosocial health needs (Home Office, 2007)
We report on findings from the evaluation concerning how the Birth Companions (BC) activities were implemented and the impact of this support on women, peer supporters and staff
33 interviews took place with 32 individuals and 10 meetings/discussions were held with the BC Project Manager

Summary

Introduction

Perinatal women in custody, which includes those who are pregnant or who have experienced a perinatal loss – miscarriage, termination, stillbirth, child removed following the birth – are a vulnerable population with specific reproductive and psychosocial health needs (Home Office, 2007). Many pregnant women who are incarcerated often continue to engage in risky health behaviours such as smoking and substance misuse (Fowler and Rossiter, 2017). Very few studies have been conducted examining the mental health experiences of pregnant women in prison in the UK. A small body of international research suggests that pregnant incarcerated (Information about the authors can be found at the end of this article.). The full terms of this license may be seen at http:// creativecommons.org/licences/ by/4.0/legalcode

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