Wash. Prison Provides Doulas, Lets Pregnant Inmates Keep Babies

A prison in Washington state is believed to be the only one in the nation that provides doulas to counsel pregnant inmates about birthing and motherhood concerns and techniques.

It also has broken new ground by allowing inmates serving no more than three years who deliver while incarcerated to keep their babies until they reach 30 months of age, as well as by enrolling the babies in a prison-based early childhood enrichment program, reports the Seattle Times.

"Experts believe the time together allows babies to bond with their mothers and leads to lower recidivism rates among inmates," the newspaper writes.

The program is based on a similar approach that is common in the United Kingdom.

Hat tip: Criminal Justice Journalists' News Center.