Born Behind Bars

Born Behind Bars is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary series aired on the A&E network in 2017. The series takes viewers into a world that is largely unseen, yet extraordinarily compelling – the world of prison nurseries. These specialized units allow incarcerated mothers to raise their newborn babies behind bars, blurring the line between punishment and privilege. This unique perspective of lived experiences inside this unconventional, yet humane, system is bound to give viewers an insightful look into some of the complexities of the criminal justice system, maternal infrastructure, and child welfare.

Each episode, the producers creatively weave a narrative that captures the human experience from a wide range of perspectives. From the inmates themselves – mothers deciding to raise their child within the prison walls, to the corrections officers who must maintain order while fostering a nurturing environment, to the criminologists and social workers who support the mothers and children in this unique and challenging environment. At the heart of Born Behind Bars is an exploration of the generational cycle of crime and the multi-faceted impact of incarceration.

Without the gloss of sugar-coating, the series reveals the everyday challenges and triumphs mothers face in prison nurseries. These women must adapt to the dual role of being an inmate and a caregiver, meeting their child's needs while complying with prison regulations. The series manages to capture the resilient spirit of these mothers and their unwavering hopes of creating a better future for their children - all while living within the constraints of their incarceration.

Born Behind Bars is set within the walls of the Indiana Women's Prison (IWP), the home of one of the few prison nursery programs in the U.S. The series documents the journey of various women within this system - women who range from first-time offenders to hardened career criminals. The rules are simple, yet challenging: these women must stay out of trouble during their pregnancy to enter the Wee Ones Program, a wing of the IWP where infants live with their mothers until they reach a certain age.

In each episode, viewers witness the profound impact of the Wee Ones Program on its participants. These women are given the chance to bond with their infants in an environment that encourages nurturing and promotes mother-infant attachment – a stark contrast from the hardships of prison life. In the face of adversity, these moments of humanity and tenderness are all the more poignant and powerful, often revealing the transformative power of motherhood and the impact of a second chance.

Beyond the individuals, Born Behind Bars also grapple with broader societal issues related to incarceration, such as the efficacy of prison nursery programs juxtaposed with the controversy of children raised in confinement. It rigorously examines the concept of using prison as a tool for rehabilitation as opposed to purely punishment. This inherently poses broader questions relating to crime, punishment, reformation, and societal norms.

However, the series does not present prison nurseries as a cure-all solution. It realistically raises questions about the fate of children brought up in prison and the impact this will have on their development and future. It puts into perspective the challenges and uncertainties that these women face once they get out of prison and try to integrate back into society while taking care of their children.

The documentary eschews sensationalism for thoughtful exploration, resulting in a humane and compassionate look at the lives of incarcerated women and their children. With each story, relationship, and dilemma portrayed, Born Behind Bars serves as a reminder that underneath the prisoner numbers and stereotypes, inmates are humans dealing with their own issues, mistakes, and hopes for the future.

From a touring window into an unconventional societal system to an intimate exploration of human struggles and resilience, Born Behind Bars is a must-watch series. It presents viewers with a canvas of emotions – often tough, heart-breaking, but occasionally uplifting. By the end, one might find their perspectives on crime, punishment, motherhood, and redemption challenged, with a new understanding of the complex issues surrounding prisons, families, and second chances.