No one should have to face pregnancy or postpartum alone, but these big life moments can feel extra isolating when someone is also experiencing opioid use disorder. That’s why Atrium Health Women’s Care Myers Park OB-GYN created a new program called Empowering Moms Through Recovery of Greater Charlotte (EMRGC) to support pregnant women and new moms experiencing opioid use disorder.
“This program is designed for pregnant women who struggle with opioid use disorders, in any stage of addiction or recovery,” says Dr. Rebecca Pollack with Atrium Heath Women’s Care Maternal Fetal Medicine.
The need for the program in the community
According to the Centers for Disease Control, in the United States, approximately 46 million people experienced a substance use disorder in 2022.
“Substance use disorder affects all parts of society, all races, all income levels, all education levels, whether someone is working or not working,” says Pollack. “If someone says, ‘I don’t know anybody affected by this,’ they probably do, they just don’t know about it.”
Pollack notes that as many as 75% of pregnant women with opioid use disorder have a history of prior trauma, such as sexual abuse, emotional abuse or adverse childhood events.
“The framework I like to think about is not ‘what’s wrong with you,’ but what happened to you that led to this set of circumstances at this point in your life and how we can support you,” says Pollack.
Empowering moms through recovery services
“We really focus on creating a comprehensive program that feels safe and accessible for our patients,” says Pollack. “I think the part that’s the hardest is the social stigma, shame and judgment associated with drug use disorders and addiction.”
Staffed by maternal fetal medicine providers, the clinic supports pregnant women, postpartum moms and their babies through:
- Medication-assisted treatment, such as buprenorphine and methadone
- Psychological services
- Support groups
- Family planning, breastfeeding and infant care resources
- Prenatal, pregnancy and postpartum care
“Pregnancy is an incredibly empowering time for women to take control of their health and well-being,” says Pollack. “We see this with patients with other chronic diseases like diabetes. Women feel this urge and energy to take good care of themselves. I tell my patients that the best way to take care of your baby is to take good care of yourself.”
Supporting babies at each stage of the journey
The Maternal-Fetal Medicine team collaborates with Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital neonatology and pediatric teams. Expectant mothers can ask their OB-GYN to schedule a consultation with Mandy Hrobak, a neonatal nurse practitioner. Hrobak cares for infants shortly after birth, including babies born prematurely or with substance exposure. During consultations, Hrobak counsels moms about neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, explaining what the neonatal team monitors for and what moms can do to help in the process.
“A lot of moms feel guilty that their child might be going through withdrawal, even if they’re on a prescribed medication for medication-assisted treatment, so they try to wean themselves off,” says Hrobak. “The very first thing I tell them is that’s actually the opposite of the best thing to do. You’re doing the best thing you can for your baby by being on this medicine. Also, moms should never make medication changes without advice from their care team.”
She also discusses what it might look like if a baby needs treatment with medication.
“It doesn’t mean it’s a failure, it just means that’s what the baby needs,” says Hrobak.
Hrobak says patients often leave these consultations with her team feeling a little lighter.
“Mothers are the most important part in the care of their baby. Anything we do to support the mom, that’s just a straight line to the baby,” says Hrobak. “Infancy is such an important time for bonding and attachment.”
Creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment for women
It was important to Pollack and her team to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for women to get the care they need and become empowered members of their health care team.
“You’re not going to be judged,” says Pollack. “We’re not going to ask you a thousand questions. We’re here to help you have as healthy and safe a pregnancy as possible. So, however that looks for you, we’re going to help you through that. Don’t be afraid to call or come in the door and ask for help.”
How women can access the clinic
If you are pregnant or postpartum and experiencing opioid use disorder, you don’t have to go through this alone. Call 704-446-1544 to schedule an appointment at Atrium Health Myers Park OB-GYN with a caring, nonjudgmental women’s health care provider.
