Brooklyn Group Supports Pregnant Women on Rikers Island

Pregnancy can be a daunting experience, particularly for women navigating it while incarcerated. A partnership between the Caribbean Women’s Health Association (CWHA) and the New York City Department of Correction aims to provide crucial support to expectant mothers on Rikers Island. By offering doula services, the initiative seeks to empower these women during a critical time in their lives.

In a designated nursery on Rikers Island, expectant mothers like Sophia Martin are receiving care and guidance as they prepare for childbirth. Surrounded by a calming environment filled with books and toys, Martin is learning essential techniques to manage her labor, guided by her doula, Mathania Toussaint. Martin expressed her hopes for a healthy birth: “Hopefully everything will be good, and he’ll be nice, big and healthy,” she shared.

The CWHA, the largest provider of doula services in New York City, is passionate about reaching women in need. Cheryl Hall, the executive director of CWHA, stated, “When we were asked by the Department of Correction to come in to work in Rikers, we were excited because we were going to be seeing women who really need the service.” This initiative underscores the belief that even within the confines of incarceration, the human experience of motherhood should be respected and nurtured.

Lynelle Maginley-Liddie, the Department of Correction Commissioner, emphasized the importance of this program in maintaining dignity for incarcerated mothers. “Incarceration happens, but it doesn’t stop you from providing for your family,” she explained. The initiative allows mothers to retain their identities and responsibilities, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary tools to care for their children.

The program pairs women in custody with doulas, providing support throughout pregnancy and several months postpartum. Nadely Tavarez, Facility Programs Executive Director, highlighted the positive impact of the program: “They help them feel less alone, give them the voice that they need to be able to advocate for themselves when they are in the hospital talking to a doctor.” This support fosters trust, which is particularly vital in an environment where it can be challenging to form connections.

Eligible incarcerated mothers and their newborns may reside together in a specially designated nursery on Rikers Island while navigating their legal cases. This arrangement not only promotes family bonding but also allows mothers to focus on their babies during a stressful period.

Toussaint, who serves as a full-spectrum doula, noted the importance of understanding each mother’s unique journey. “Coming with an open mind, open heart is key,” she remarked. “I want to get to know them, inside and outside of the pregnancy.” This holistic approach helps build a supportive environment for these women during a time when they need it the most.

For Martin, the program offers a distraction from her ongoing legal challenges. “Yes, we are incarcerated individuals, but we’re still human,” she asserted. “And, you know, we have our rights, and it’s the first time anybody’s actually worried about our comforts.” Her experience serves as a reminder that even in difficult circumstances, the need for care and connection remains.

This partnership highlights the importance of recognizing humanity in all situations, advocating for the rights of incarcerated mothers, and ensuring that motherhood is honored, regardless of the setting. The initiative represents a vital step towards supporting women during one of the most transformative experiences of their lives, proving that even when freedom is limited, compassion and care can prevail.