Nearly 75,000 women enter American prisons annually and as many as 10 percent of them are pregnant at the time of their incarceration. In most prisons, the babies are separated from their mothers immediately following birth. A few penitentiaries, however, offer programs that allow the women to raise their children inside of a maximum security prison. This show goes inside the Wee Ones Program at the Indiana Women's Prison, following several inmates at various stages of the program as they navigate the volatile prison environment while raising their babies. "Babies Behind Bars" also profiles staffers -- including tough-love guards and inmate nannies -- who help care for the newborns.
Seasons & Episode
A controversial prison nursery program at the Indiana Women's Prison allows a few select inmates to raise their babies behind bars; one slip-up on Wee One's Unit 7 can result in an inmate mother losing her child.
An inmate risks losing her daughter if she gets caught with her girlfriend, as prison relationships are strictly forbidden; another inmate gives birth to premature twins; and Officer Leath confronts an inmate who started a fight.
Stephanie hopes for the early release that will enable her to bring her daughter home even though she hasn't completed her drug abuse treatment; inmate nanny Ruthanne desperately wants to reunite with the son she hasn't seen in a year, but strict visitation guidelines might make that impossible; and Unit 7 celebrates that baby Addison reaches her 1st birthday.
Stephanie finally has her day in court, hoping for the early release that will allow her to bring the baby home.
After Officer Leath cracks down, an inmate fears her daughter will be taken away. A new pregnant inmate enters the program and is immediately targeted by the mean girls who accuse her of stealing a radio.
Jeanie goes into premature labor and is rushed to the hospital. Brandi gets into trouble, and confronts the woman she thinks snitched on her. Stephanie's mother wants baby Abigail to come live with her, but Stephanie resists.
A mother's worst nightmare occurs as Jeanie's son stops breathing during a routine doctor's visit. Maranda, who is fed up with being a nanny, moves out of the Wee Ones unit. Taylor sees her premature twins for the time since their birth.
Brandi struggles to get ready for her parole hearing and possible release. Three inmates vie for the new, highly coveted Nanny position, but a mean-girl clique has strong opinions on who should win. Donyell gives birth to a baby girl.
Stakes run high as Brandi finally goes before a hostile parole board to plead her case. Two pregnant inmates apply for the Wee Ones program which has only one open spot. Maranda goes through a bitter breakup with her girlfriend.
Brandi wins parole, but life outside the prison walls is hard for her and daughter. Stephanie's family visits, and baby Abigail gets to meet her two big brothers for the first time.
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