Substance Use Disorder in Pregnancy

If you have already completed Naloxone HOPE Kit Training, you are DONE! No further action is required! If you have not yet completed the Naloxone HOPE Kit Training for Meriter L&D, please take time to do so.   This are hopefully going to be available at St Mary's in the near future

Background: Since July 2024, L&D and PP units have been providing Naloxone HOPE Kits for at-risk patients at Meriter's Antepartum, L&D and Postpartum units. HOPE stands for "Hospital Overdose Prevention Effort", aimed to reduce overdose-related morbidity and mortality in pregnant and postpartum patients. This opportunity originates from a research grant obtained by Dr. Jackie Adams, MD, MFM. 

GOALS for the Education include: 

• • • Understand the principles of harm reduction in the setting of substance use disorder 

    • Determine which patients meet criteria for receiving a HOPE Kit 

    • Understand the workflow for ordering, obtaining and dispensing HOPE Kits 

    • Participate in research related to harm reduction

Action Items:

1. Review the HOPE KIT Nurse and Provider PowerPoint 

2. Go to the Harm Reduction Website:  https://www.obgyn.wisc.edu/adams-research-page/home

3. Click on “Harm Reduction Study” tab 

   • Take the introductory quiz (red button # 1) 

   • Complete the CDC training (red button # 2) 

     • Reminder: CME Credit is available for the CDC Mini Module Training!  

   • Take the completion quiz (red button #3) 

Fresh Beginnings Online Baby Shower is quickly approaching!

Please review the information below for more details about which patients 

may benefit from a Fresh Beginnings referral and how you can refer your patients.

What: A  UnityPoint Health Meriter multidisciplinary class for birthing parents with substance use disorders in pregnancy (specifically opioid use disorder). Topics covered in the Fresh Beginnings online baby shower:

• 1. 1. 1. Introduction to care coordination

        2. Welcome from NewStart

        3. Connection to peer recovery with Pregnancy 2 Recovery

        4. Labor education and non-pharmacologic management of pain

        5. Lactation support and guidance

        6. NAS/NOWs and rooming in

        7. Overview of family care in the NICU

Participants will receive a gift bag of baby gifts and diapers for attending. 

Who: Any patient can be referred in if they plan to birth at Meriter Hospital. This introductory class is designed for pregnant individuals on medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. The class will take place four times per year, and each patient should plan to attend one of our quarterly classes prior to delivery.

Why: To open the lines of communication between our staff and patients. We feel that by allowing patients to meet their care team ahead of their delivery, we can improve outcomes! Our goal is to reduce the stigma surrounding  opioid use disorder in pregnancy, increase sensitivity and understanding, and educate patients about their care and the care of babies affected by neonatal abstinence syndrome.  

When:  If you know of patients that would benefit and may be close to delivery, please send their referral ASAP. The next class is July 27th from 10:00-12:00 via Microsoft Teams

Future 2022 dates include

·    10/26/22

Schedule for 2022-2023 coming soon!

How: In Meriter EPIC, please enter "Amb referral to Center for Perinatal Care" and in the comments/specialty desired, add "Fresh Beginnings Class." You can also fax an order (608-417-6364) or send a message to Dr. Jacquelyn Adams or Leah Matteson in the Center for Perinatal Care.

If you have any questions, please email Dr. Jackie Adams with Maternal Fetal Medicine at jhadams3@wisc.edu.