Building a Bridge Between Care and Custody

The Texas Prison Doula Program was created to address the critical gap in perinatal care for incarcerated women. Each year, hundreds of pregnant individuals give birth while in custody—often with limited access to consistent, compassionate support. Our program brings trained doulas into correctional settings to provide emotional, physical, and informational care during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum recovery.

We believe that birth is not only a medical event, but a human experience that shapes a mother’s sense of dignity, identity, and hope. Our doulas are certified professionals who serve within correctional and healthcare guidelines, working collaboratively with staff and medical providers to create safe and supportive birth environments.

What We Do

• Prenatal Support: Regular educational sessions to help mothers understand their changing bodies, manage stress, and prepare for labor.

• Labor & Birth Support: Continuous doula presence during childbirth, offering comfort techniques, encouragement, and advocacy for informed care.

• Postpartum Care: Follow-up visits to support healing, bonding, and breastfeeding when possible, along with emotional support for separation and transition.

• Reentry Connections: Linking mothers with community-based doulas and social services upon release to support ongoing stability and family reunification.

Why It Matters

Incarcerated mothers face some of the most challenging conditions for childbirth and recovery. Studies show that doula-supported births result in:

• Fewer medical interventions and complications

• Improved birth experiences and mental health outcomes

• Reduced recidivism and stronger parent-child bonds

By centering care, compassion, and continuity, the Texas Prison Doula Program not only transforms individual birth experiences—it strengthens communities and contributes to a more humane justice system.