Evaluation of Birth Companions perinatal support and peer support provision in two prison settings

An in-depth evaluation of Birth Companions work providing perinatal activities and support within two prison settings without a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU), where it was expected that there would be less understanding of the needs of perinatal women in custody. 

This exploratory mixed-methods study was carried out by a research team at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), and aimed to explore whether and how Birth Companions perinatal activities influenced women’s experiences and outcomes; to identify the facilitators and barriers to implementation of Birth Companions services, and to determine key recommendations and transferable lessons for other prison settings.

By Dr Gill Thomson, Dr Rose Mortimer, Dr Michelle Baybutt and Dr Karen Whittaker at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).