Incarcerated at Birth: An Integrative Review of Prison Nurseries in the United States.

Abstract

Purpose: To conduct an integrative review of extant literature on prison nursery programs in the United States.

Background: About 4-10% of U.S. women entering prison are pregnant. In response, several state prisons have developed nurseries to promote maternal-infant outcomes and reduce recidivism. Unfortunately, little is known about the current state of the science related to prison nurseries.

Methods: Guided by Whittemore and Knafl's methodology, a literature search was conducted in June 2023 for peer-reviewed articles using PubMed, CINAHL, MedLINE, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, socINDEX, and Academic Search Complete. Broad keywords were used ("prison" or "incarceration" or "inmate") and ("nursery" or "nursery residential center"). Included articles were U.S.-based, peer-reviewed, and specific to prison nurseries.

Results: The search yielded 216 articles, 10 of which were included for final review and synthesis. Using the Johns Hopkins Evidence Level and Quality Guide, the level of evidence ranged from low to moderate. Themes include (1) benefits to maternal-child attachment and bonding, (2) institutional barriers and challenges to maternal-child attachment and bonding and (3) beneficial maternal justice and custodial outcomes.

Conclusions: Prison nurseries are a promising intervention to promote mother-infant outcomes. These programs promote positive maternal-infant attachment and bonding, help mothers maintain custody of their children, and reduce recidivism.

Implications for practice: There is a need to standardize nursery program characteristics to maximize benefits and promote equity. Better investment in longitudinal, quasi-experimental, and qualitative research is needed.