Finding out you are pregnant can be one of the most exciting moments in your life or perhaps a terrifying moment, especially if it is your first child. Now imagine you are at an opioid addiction treatment center when you hear the news. Sounds like a rare occurrence — actually, it is not.
We have all watched and read the news about the increased use of opioids over the past few years. In fact, about 80% of the world’s opioid supply is consumed right here in the United States. With one third of reproductive-age women filling an opioid prescription, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is important to note that 86% of women abusing opioids indicate they did not plan to get pregnant. Why is all of this data important? Because it paints a picture. A picture of another epidemic in our communities.
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Across the U.S., addiction treatment centers are seeing an increased number of women in their facilities, many of whom are pregnant. Sadly, we have seen a staggering number of babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, a withdrawal syndrome that occurs in a newborn exposed to opioid drugs for a length of time while in the mother’s womb.
Drug-related deaths are the leading cause of death to women during pregnancy and within one year after giving birth. Mothers are succumbing to their addiction, leaving innocent babies without a parent. Blaming, shaming or questioning the morals of women who find themselves in this situation will not address this crisis. It requires a coordinated effort by our community.
Among our other initiatives, Healthy Start is working to change the direction for substance-using mothers. In 2016, Healthy Start created a task force with over 20 community partners to collaborate and identify opportunities to prevent and address opioid dependence and pregnancy. This year, Healthy Start of Southwest Florida received a grant from the Florida Department of Children and Families to work with pregnant women who are dependent on substances. Early identification and intervention is the key, which can result in a beautiful outcome for both mother and baby. The mission of Healthy Start is very simple: to ensure every pregnant woman has the resources she needs and to give every baby the chance for a healthy start in life.
Each woman enrolled in our substance-exposed program works directly with a registered nurse throughout her pregnancy. The nurse provides home visits, screenings and education, parenting support and other resources. By encouraging women to enroll in our home visiting services and rallying community support, these women have a better chance to raise happy, healthy babies.
We can all play a role to encourage positive and meaningful outcomes for high-risk pregnant women. It may be a contribution of baby supplies like diapers or baby formula, volunteering your time at a local nonprofit or hospital, or sharing information on services available in the community.
If you would like more information on Healthy Start services or the Drug Exposed Newborn Task Force, visit healthystartbaby.org.
Melanie Black Amato is the associate executive director of Healthy Start of Southwest Florida.
Safe Kids is a nonprofit coalition of agencies and organizations dedicated to eliminating preventable childhood injuries. Visit safekidsswfl.org.