Isis Rising

Doula Services for Incarcerated Women

Isis – The Goddess of Restorative Love.  Cease your tears now, for I have come to help you.  I looked down and saw the sorrows of your life.  All things will soon change for you, as under my watchful light your life is restored, renewed.

Everyday Miracles is implementing a program of pregnancy, birth and parenting support for incarcerated women currently serving time at the Shakopee Women’s Prison. 

Isis Rising – Incarcerated women Women’s Doula Network will consist of two core components.  The first is birth and post-partum support through an on-going relationship with a doula.  This support will involve a once a month meeting with a doula, during which time the women will be able to discuss her questions about birth and parenting and receive one-on-one support.   The doulas will meet with their clients at bi-monthly meetings.  At her time of delivery, the doula will meet her client at St. Francis hospital and provide continuous support for her during labor and delivery.  Following the birth, the doula will meet with the woman two additional times to provide post-partum support.

The second core component is a twelve-part series Pregnancy and Mothering Group that is facilitated by the doulas.  The group is open to incarcerated women who are actively involved in parenting children under the age of 5, women who are pregnant, or women who have given birth in the last year.  The group meets every-other week following the bi-monthly doula clinic.  The twelve-part series is taught twice yearly.  The focus of this group is to: 1) - help the women gain tangible parenting skills and insights and 2) as well as receive the support of peers and trained professionals. 

Our Goal is simple, to support women during birth and given them the education and skills they need to be stronger, more connected mothers.  The rates of recidivism are far less for women that participate in parenting programs while incarcerated.