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Document Type

Book Chapter

Department/Program

Psychology

Publication Date

8-2018

Book Title

Handbook of Nutrition and Pregnancy

Publisher

Humana Press, Cham

Editor

Lammi-Keefe, Carol J., Couch, Sarah C., Kirwan, John P.

First Page

295

Last Page

307

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-90988-2_16

Abstract

The number of women involved in the criminal justice system has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. Due to their marginalized background, incarcerated women have a complex set of health-related needs. This is especially true of those who are pregnant, a particularly vulnerable, high-risk group. Although guidelines have been developed that recommend pregnancy screening, provision of dietary supplements, regular nutritious meals, and nutritional counseling for incarcerated pregnant women, jail policies and health care protocols often fail to heed these recommendations. In this chapter, we discuss the nutritional needs of pregnant incarcerated women as well as breastfeeding in the context of the criminal justice system and consider some of the challenges in developing programming and policies to address these health-related needs. We also present findings from the William & Mary Healthy Beginnings Project, a nutrition intervention program developed for pregnant incarcerated women in Southeastern Virginia. Assessment of this program suggests that through the development of protocols and polices that consider the health-related needs of pregnant women, correctional facilities could play a pivotal role in helping incarcerated women develop healthier habits to better care for themselves and their newborns.

ISBN

9783319909868

Publication Statement

This is the accepted manuscript version of this book chapter.

Pregnant Behind Bars: Meeting the Nutrition Needs of Incarcerated Pregnant Women


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