Breastfeeding While Incarcerated: Evidence-Based Recommendations for Integrating Policy and Practice

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Reproductive Health
• Health Equity

Background:

• Breastfeeding and human milk expression are restricted for incarcerated women, posing risks to infants.
• Clinical guidelines are often not applied to incarcerated perinatal women, with limited data on current practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize national breastfeeding/lactation policy trends for correctional facilities.
• To identify existing lactation support programs and strategies within these facilities.
• To propose an evidence-based approach for supporting breastfeeding incarcerated women.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of current national trends in breastfeeding and lactation policy.
• Identification of ongoing lactation support programs and strategies.
• Application of the Spatz 10-step model for a context-specific approach.

Main Results:

• Current policies and practices inadequately address breastfeeding and lactation for incarcerated women.
• Limited data exists on the extent of breastfeeding and lactation support in correctional settings.
• Existing programs offer potential models for enhanced support.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need for policy and research updates to support incarcerated mothers and infants.
• Recommendations are provided to improve access to breastfeeding and lactation services.
• Collaboration with existing programs can enhance support for this vulnerable population.