Advocacy and Education
At Ostara Initiative, our advocacy and education work is rooted in a single belief: every person deserves dignity, autonomy, and compassionate care during pregnancy and birth—no matter their circumstances.
We work to transform systems, shift narratives, and equip individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate pregnancy, birth, and parenting while impacted by incarceration.
Transforming Systems Through Advocacy
We advocate for policies and practices that protect the rights, health, and dignity of pregnant and postpartum people in carceral settings.
Our advocacy efforts focus on:
Ending harmful practices like shackling during pregnancy and childbirth
Expanding access to doula support in correctional facilities
Improving standards of care for pregnant and postpartum individuals
State and Federal Policy
Through partnerships, organizing, and direct engagement, we have contributed to meaningful policy changes in how institutions approach pregnancy and birth behind bars.
Our work has helped:
Increase awareness of the unique challenges faced by incarcerated pregnant people
Support the implementation of doula programs in carceral settings
Influence policies that center health, safety, and human dignity
Prison Birth Simulation
Our Prison Birth Simulation is a powerful, immersive educational experience designed to help participants understand the realities of giving birth while incarcerated.
Through guided, experiential learning, participants gain insight into:
The physical and emotional challenges of prison birth
Institutional constraints and their impact on care
The critical role of advocacy and support
This program is offered to healthcare providers, students, policymakers, and community organizations seeking to deepen their understanding and drive change.
Education for Pregnant People
We provide accessible, empowering education for pregnant and parenting people impacted by incarceration.
Our approach centers:
Clear, practical information about pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery
Emotional support and preparation for childbirth
Tools to help individuals advocate for themselves within restrictive systems
We believe knowledge is a form of power—and everyone deserves access to it.
❊ Resources for Pregnant People
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Our Pregnancy Resource Guide offers essential, easy-to-understand information tailored to the needs of people navigating pregnancy in carceral environments.
The guide includes:
What to expect during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum
Patient rights and advocacy tips
Guidance on health, nutrition, and recovery
Resources for staying informed and supported
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The Pregnancy & Beyond Curriculum Book is a comprehensive educational resource designed to support learning in both individual and group settings.
This curriculum:
Covers pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early parenting
Is designed for use in carceral facilities and community programs
Centers dignity, informed choice, and trauma-informed care
It serves as a foundational tool for education, empowerment, and connection.
Ostara Peer-Reviewed Publications
Our work is grounded in both evidence and lived experience. Ostara Initiative engages in peer-reviewed research to better understand and improve care for pregnant and parenting people impacted by incarceration.
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Shlafer, R. J., Gerrity, E., Norris, C., Freeman-Cook, R., & B Sufrin, C. (2022). Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act of 2021: Reflections and recommendations. Women's Health, 18, 17455057221093037.
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Howland, M. A., Kotlar, B., Davis, L., & Shlafer, R. J. (2021). Depressive symptoms among pregnant and postpartum women in prison. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 66(4), 494-502.
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Pendleton, V. E., Schmitgen, E. M., Davis, L., & Shlafer, R. J. (2021). Caregiving Arrangements and Caregiver Well-being when Infants are Born to Mothers in Prison. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 1-14.
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Shlafer, R., Davis, L., Hindt, L., & Pendleton, V. (2021). The benefits of doula support for women who are pregnant in prison and their newborns. In Children with Incarcerated Mothers (pp. 33-48). Springer, Cham.
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Shlafer, R., Saunders, J.B., Boraas, C. M., Kozhimannil, K. B., Mazumder, N., & Freese, R. Maternal and neonatal outcomes among incarcerated women who gave birth in custody. Birth. 2021; 48, 122–131.
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Pendleton, V., Saunders, J. B., & Shlafer, R. (2020). Corrections officers’ knowledge and perspectives of maternal and child health policies and programs for pregnant women in prison. Health & Justice, 8(1), 1.
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Shlafer, R., Hardman, R., Carlson, E. (2019). Reproductive justice for incarcerated mothers and advocacy for their infants and young children. Infant Mental Health, 40(5), 725-74.
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Shlafer, R., Davis, L., Hindt, L., Goshin, L., & Gerrity, E. (2018). Intention and Initiation of Breastfeeding Among Women Who Are Incarcerated. Nursing for Women’s Health, 22(1), 64-78.
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Shlafer, R., Stang, J., Dallaire, D., Forestell, C. A., & Hellerstedt, W. (2017). Best Practices for Nutrition Care of Pregnant Women in Prison. Journal of Correctional Health Care, 23(3), 297-304.
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Shlafer, R., Gerrity, E. & Duwe, G. (2015). Pregnancy and Parenting Support for Incarcerated Women: Lessons Learned. Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research Education and Action, 9(3), 371-378.
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Shlafer, R., Hellerstedt, W., Secor-Turner, M., Gerrity, E., & Baker, R. (2014). Doulas’ perspectives about providing support to incarcerated women: A feasibility study. Public Health Nursing, 32(4), 316–326.
❊ Inspired?
Choose Your Next Step
Join us in advancing dignity-centered care for pregnant and parenting people in prison. Your support helps sustain programs, advocacy, and education that create lasting change for families.
❊ Donate
Deepen your understanding of pregnancy and birth in prison. Explore data, stories, and studies that illuminate the realities of incarceration and the possibilities for reform.
❊ Understand
We welcome collaboration and conversation. Reach out to discuss strategic partnerships, speaking opportunities, or other ways to engage with our work.