Prison Nursery Project attracts Hebammenforum!

Several months ago, I was asked by Johanna Heller for permission to publish my prison nursery portraits in Hebammenforum, a monthly magazine for midwives in Germany. Ms. Heller, a midwife and journalist, would write an article about the program.

After I checked on the authenticity of the journal, I was happy to contribute to this important and rarely discussed social issue. I had volunteered to do photography at the prison nursery for 16 years, determined to educate the public about the importance of such programs. I have been a strong advocate that this vulnerable population of mothers and babies be treated humanely during their prison sentences, stressing the importance of healthy attachment especially considering the prison sentences of these mothers is fewer than two and a half years. Otherwise, the babies would be reunited with their mothers after a prolonged separation at a neurologically important time for both. I hoped that the jounalist’s article would spark interest and discussion amongst colleagues far across the world from Washington State.

The journal came out in printed form in April 2024. One of my portraits was on the cover! Although I have taken many images of the mothers expressing joy and love, the 3 that were printed out of the 16 submitted showed despondency. But I still feel gratified that my long years of work on this project is still circulating.

Hebammenforum cover, April 2024

She Shoots Film! December 2017 issue, MOTHER

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Another end of the year piece of exciting news for me is that my December 2017 issue of She Shoots Film arrived and featured two images I made around 1974. I submitted these last year but didn't hear back for a long time. I was notified several months ago that two images were selected for publication. So, although getting this journal right before Christmas wasn't a complete surprise, it is always fun to see an actual print journal featuring one's work. (Merry Christmas to ME!) She Shoots Film has only published two journals but this Australian-based journal publication feels very promising.

 

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My Statement: 
I came of age in the days of homes for unwed mothers, back-alley abortions, and shotgun weddings, and emerged into early feminism and reliable contraceptives. I was gratefully unburdened by unwanted pregnancy - the thought of which made me feel confined, trapped, imprisoned, and adult.

I used my camera to experience the lives of other people, several who were mothers my age. They fascinated me with their motherliness.

It wasn't until my early thirties, after I became a midwife, that I was ready to embrace motherhood for myself. 

THANKS, She Shoots Film!

THANKS, She Shoots Film!

MOTHERING On-Line Magazine: interest in incarcerated pregnant women grows! →

I love how the conversation about incarcerated pregnant women and mothering in a prison nursery keeps spreading. Thanks to writer, Sheramy Tsai for doing such a thorough write-up.

This mother told me the story about getting her tattoo at a point in her life where she had hit rock bottom. Shortly afterwards, she learned she was not only pregnant but sentenced to prison. She explained, "After the birth of my daughter, I now kno…

This mother told me the story about getting her tattoo at a point in her life where she had hit rock bottom. Shortly afterwards, she learned she was not only pregnant but sentenced to prison. She explained, "After the birth of my daughter, I now know I have everything to lose." The prison nursery program has helped her discover another side of her self involving the love and care of her child.