Lessons from the field: Jail experiences of pregnant incarcerated women in a home visiting program

• Published date: 01 December 2024
• Author: Maria Reyes‐Vargas,Bridget A. Walsh
• Date: 01 December 2024
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/fare.13051

BRIEF REPORT

Lessons from the field: Jail experiences of pregnant

incarcerated women in a home visiting program

Maria Reyes-Vargas | Bridget A. Walsh

Human Development, Family Science, and

Counseling, University of Nevada–Reno,

Reno, NV

Correspondence

Bridget A. Walsh, University of Nevada,

Reno, Mail Stop 0140, 1664 N. Virginia St.,

Reno, NV, 89577, USA.

Email: bridgetw@unr.edu

Abstract

Objective: In this report, we share results of a qualitative

study of the experiences of pregnant incarcerated women

(PIW), released women (RW), and home visitors who par-

ticipated in an Early Head Start Home-Based Option

(EHS-HBO) program that was delivered in a jail. We dis-

cuss the challenges of researching and supporting PIW’s

experiences and offer lessons learned.

Background: Carceral environments such as jails present

challenges for PIW that can compromise pregnancy out-

comes. Research supports the efficacy of targeted interven-

tions, such as EHS-HBO, for other populations

(e.g., people who use substances); however, these interven-

tions have not yet reached incarcerated populations.

Method: Through separate focus groups for PIW (n=6)

and home visitors (n=5), and semistructured interviews

with RW (n=3), study participants shared their experi-

ences as PIW and the carceral context.

Results: Themes, determined inductively through thematic

analysis, included (a) emotional pain from postdelivery

separation, (b) struggles accessing help, (c) lack of faith in

medical care, and (d) social support in and out of jail.

Conclusion: Results from this study elucidate recommen-

dations for home visitors visiting PIW in jail and training

jail personnel about maternal health.

Implications: Our study highlights the need to further

develop home visiting programs and support for PIW and

RW. Opportunities for training of jail and home visiting

personnel were identified through the focus groups and

interviews conducted. The information shared will help

professionals working with PIW learn about remarks, atti-

tudes, challenges, and standards of care impacting PIW

and maternal mental health.

Author note: We would like to thank Daniel Rhodes for assistance with coding.

Received: 3 January 2023 Revised: 24 August 2023 Accepted: 12 November 2023

DOI: 10.1111/fare.13051

© 2024 National Council on Family Relations.

3458 Family Relations. 2024;73:3458–3472.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/fare