Many pregnant women who are struggling with drug addiction often delay seeking prenatal care due to feelings of shame and judgment. However, with the increasing number of fatal overdoses, some clinics are now viewing pregnancy as an opportune moment to help these women address their addiction issues.
Kim Short, a pregnant woman residing in a sober living house, has been battling drug and alcohol addiction since she was a teenager. She recently found herself in a doctor’s exam room at the Great Moms clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan, feeling exhausted from the first trimester of her pregnancy and experiencing withdrawal symptoms from methamphetamine, alcohol, Xanax, and Klonopin.
During her visit, Kim, with her face tattooed with memories of friends lost to overdose, was supported by Dr. Cara Poland, who commended her for returning to the clinic for her second pregnancy. Kim had previously given birth to a healthy, drug-free baby at the clinic but had relapsed shortly after and lost custody of her child. Determined to stay sober and raise her new baby, she saw the clinic as her best chance at recovery.
The Great Moms clinic at Corewell Health Medical Center is one of the few programs that cater to pregnant women and new mothers struggling with substance abuse issues. Despite being a marginalized population, these women are provided with specialized care and support to help them through their pregnancies and overcome addiction.
The clinic’s approach focuses on not only the physical health of the mother and baby but also on addressing the underlying causes of addiction and providing comprehensive treatment and counseling services. By creating a safe and non-judgmental environment, pregnant women like Kim feel empowered to seek help and make positive changes in their lives.
Dr. Poland and her team work closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that may include medication-assisted therapy, behavioral therapy, and support groups. The goal is to help these women break the cycle of addiction, improve their overall well-being, and become capable and confident mothers to their children.
As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the country, the need for specialized care for pregnant women with substance use disorders has become increasingly urgent. By providing targeted interventions and support during pregnancy, clinics like the Great Moms program are making a significant impact on the lives of these women and their families.
Through their dedication and commitment to holistic care, these clinics are not only helping pregnant women overcome addiction but also ensuring the health and well-being of the next generation. The stories of women like Kim Short serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength that can be found in the face of adversity, offering hope for a brighter and healthier future for all.