Women who use substances, alcohol, or tobacco during their pregnancy are more likely to have negative health outcomes for themselves and their baby.  Children with prenatal substance exposure are more likely to be diagnosed with developmental delays or other medical diagnosis, such as Neonatal Opiate Withdrawal Syndrome.  Many women with a substance use disorder (SUD) are hesitant to seek medical care due to the fear of child welfare involvement and mistreatment from healthcare professionals.  Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) has joined other Licking County agencies to form the Licking County Plan of Safe Care (POSC) Partnership with the goal of strengthening families and keeping children safely at home.

A POSC is a voluntary plan that provides support and resources for individuals with substance misuse during pregnancy and after birth.  The partnership consists of caring experts from medical, social services, mental health, and treatment facilities that are available in Licking County.  Consulting with the patient and her POSC team provides a collaborative opportunity to explore creative solutions and resources that assist in delivering comprehensive services and ensuring a healthy pregnancy, birth, infant, and family. 

“As the sole Hospital in Licking County, we want our patients to know that we are here to provide support, be an ally, and promote the best health outcome for mother and baby,” said LMHS President & CEO Rob Montagnese.  “Licking Memorial Hospital’s (LMH) Maternal Child Department works collaboratively with a woman’s OB/GYN to identify expectant mothers who may have a substance use disorder and provide preventive assistance.”

A POSC can help prevent local child protective service agency involvement.  A perinatal nurse navigator will work with a patient through their women’s health provider to acquire resources such as safe housing, food, utilities, transportation, medical care and coverage, mental health, and substance use treatment.  The POSC also identifies support for the infant such as pediatric care, diapers, cribs, car seats, breastfeeding support, formula, and other needed items.  Support for delivery preparation and postpartum home visits can also be included in a POSC.

“Pregnancy can be a very motivating time for a woman to make lifestyle changes and get the help she needs for herself and her unborn baby,” said Heather Burkhart, Vice President Acute Care Services.  “LMH wants women to feel empowered and in control of their healthcare and offering a Plan of Safe Care can help our patients to feel supported and cared for.”

A professionally trained social worker will meet with the patient to identify her needs and expectations to form a Plan of Safe Care.  Pregnant women with SUDs may be referred to a treatment facility as part of their plan.  Shepherd Hill is a nationally accredited treatment center located in Newark that is affiliated with LMH.  Referred patients receive an assessment that includes medical history and history of substance use.  Based on their assessment, patients may participate in an intensive outpatient treatment program which consists of meeting three to four hours each day three times a week as well as medication assisted treatment.  Treatment includes receiving education on addiction, understanding the biological and psychological components of addiction, and learning how to live safely with their SUD. 

“In most cases, pregnant women who have a substance use disorder are open to receiving treatment because they want to have a healthy baby, but they may be afraid to seek treatment for fear of losing their child or being viewed as a bad mother,” explained Andrew Highberger, M.D., of Licking Memorial Behavioral Health and Addiction Services.  “It is crucial that we eliminate the stigma that society has of people with substance use disorder.  Addiction is a disease like any other medical condition, and our goal is to educate patients and the community so they can recognize that substance use disorder is a treatable condition and there is no shame in receiving treatment for their disease.”

In addition to a POSC for expecting mothers, LMH provides a Centering Pregnancy Program, a group where women with similar due dates meet in groups for support, health assessment, and education.  The group meets 8 to 10 times, beginning at the 14th week of pregnancy and continuing through the duration of pregnancy.  Each session includes a prenatal appointment, prenatal education, and social support in a two-hour visit.  Prenatal education includes discussion on topics such as pregnancy, nutrition, breastfeeding, stress reduction during pregnancy, exercise, birth, newborn care, child safety, and new mothering issues.  Sessions are held at Licking Memorial Hospital.  Women interested in participating in the Centering Pregnancy Program can contact Megan Layman or Kaylissa Smith at (220) 564-3685 or email mlayman@LMHealth.org or kbsmith@LMHealth.org.