Midwifery students helping incarcerated fathers : M2 Midwives for Men pilot project

[Extract] Since 2017, Central Queensland University (CQU), has delivered a unique and innovative continuity of care program for midwifery students and incarcerated pregnant women. The CQU Bachelor of Midwifery (graduate entry) course, places midwifery students into correctional facilities, providing continuity of care (CoC) for incarcerated mothers during the pregnancy, birth and postnatal periods1. Continuity of care supports women by establishing a supportive, therapeutic relationship with a known midwife who places them at the centre of care and decision making leading to improved outcomes2. For incarcerated pregnant women there are limited opportunities to access family, friends or partners for support during their custodial detention, making the importance of continuity of care evident. During the delivery of the CoC program, some women identified that their partners were incarcerated too and therefore excluded from midwifery care and education. This contributed to a lack of practical fatherhood skills required for newborn care. Arising from this identified need was the decision to formulate the M2: Midwives for Men pilot project.