Watch Babies Behind Bars

Babies Behind Bars is a 2011 documentary film that delves into the complex subject of incarcerated women who give birth while they are serving time in prison. The film focuses on four women – Ingrid, Jeanne, Nakita, and Melissa – who give birth while they are serving time in the Indiana Women's Prison. The documentary shows the harsh realities of what it's like to give birth in prison. The women are shackled during labor and delivery, and they are not allowed to have any family members or friends in the room with them. Instead, they are surrounded by guards and prison staff. The film shows the distressing footage of women in labor laboring under such conditions.

The film isn't just about the difficulties of giving birth in prison, however. It is also about the unique bond that forms between the mothers and their infants, despite the harsh conditions. The infants, who are allowed to stay with their mothers for up to 18 months, are a source of hope and joy in an otherwise bleak and oppressive environment. The film shows how the women struggle to provide emotional and physical care for their babies and themselves, even with limited resources.

One of the mothers, Ingrid, serves as the narrator for the film. Her story is particularly touching, as she had lost custody of her first child before being incarcerated. She is determined to keep her newborn baby girl and to make a better life for herself and her child. Through her eyes, viewers see the inner workings of the prison nursery, where women learn parenting skills and are given the opportunity to bond with their children.

The film also provides insight into the criminal justice system and its relationship to motherhood. Many of the women in prison were themselves victims of abuse and neglect, and they turned to drugs as a way of coping. Babies Behind Bars shows how these women are often punished rather than being given the help they need to break the cycle of addiction and trauma. The documentary also raises the question of whether it is in the best interest of the child to be born and raised in a prison environment.

Overall, Babies Behind Bars is a sensitive and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a complex issue. It shows the strength and resilience of the women who give birth while incarcerated, as well as the challenges they face in caring for their infants under such harsh conditions. The film will certainly leave viewers thinking about the role of motherhood in society, and the ways in which the criminal justice system impacts women and children alike.

In conclusion, Babies Behind Bars provides an intimate look into the lives of incarcerated women who are mothers. It highlights the bond between mother and child, the challenges of raising infants in prison, and the ways in which the criminal justice system fails to support maternal relationships. This film is a must-see for anyone interested in social justice issues, as it raises important questions about the role of punishment versus rehabilitation in the criminal justice system.