Pregnancy and New Motherhood in Prison (ePub)

is a highly accomplished researcher and midwifery practitioner specialising in the field of pregnancy and new motherhood in prison. Currently holding the position of Associate Professor in Research at The University of Hertfordshire, Laura is recognised as a Registered Midwife, a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a Fellow of the Royal College of Midwives. Her innovative doctoral work, titled The Incarcerated Pregnancy: An Ethnographic Study of Perinatal Women in English Prisons, explored the experiences of pregnant women in prison, providing valuable insights into this underexplored area. Laura's contributions extend beyond academia. She co-authored The Birth Charter for pregnant women in England and Wales, a significant publication by Birth Companions in May 2016. This publication highlights her dedication to advocating for the rights of pregnant women. Her expertise has also helped shape the operational policy of Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Services regarding pregnancy, Mother and Baby Units (MBUs), and maternal separation in prison. Laura has also provided evidence at the parliamentary Joint Human Rights Committee, showcasing her influence in improving the care and support for incarcerated pregnant women and new mothers. Laura's commitment to international collaboration and advocacy is evident through her co-founding of the Pregnancy in Prison Partnership International (PIPPI), where she collaborates with academics from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, the USA, and the UK. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in establishing the UK-wide Prison Midwives Support Group. Laura leads as the Principal Investigator for 'The Lost Mothers Project', a significant initiative in collaboration with Birth Companions and their Lived Experience Team, which is funded by the ESRC. The project focuses on examining the experiences of enforced separation from newborn babies, shedding light on the profound impact it has on both mothers within the criminal justice system and the perspectives of health, social, and prison professionals involved. Laura's dedication to improving knowledge, policy, and support systems for pregnant women and new mothers in prison remains a driving force in her work and research endeavours.