Maternal Opiate Medical Support Program
Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS), in collaboration with community agencies A Renewed Mind, Century Health and Full Circle, along with the providers at Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology, has established the Maternal Opiate Medical Support (MOMS) project for mothers who struggle with opioid dependence. This project aims to engage women in obstetric care while they receive the necessary medical treatment to help with their opioid-use disorder.
Individuals who join the MOMS project can schedule regular appointments at Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology. They also are given the opportunity to work with an addictionologist and a counselor at one of the treatment agencies. Together, the collaborating treatment agencies and the providers at Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology ensure each patient receives personalized care while promoting the health, safety and well-being of infants and the recovery of pregnant women with opioid-use disorders.
Participants attend appointments at both locations throughout the duration of their pregnancy with the opportunity to meet both one-on-one and as a group. Additionally, weekly MOMS meetings will provide education and resource information including:
- Learning how to have a healthy baby and pregnancy
- Enrolling in rewards programs
- Talking with health care professionals and touring maternity and special care nursery departments at Blanchard Valley Hospital
- Smoking cessation
- Recognizing postpartum depression
- Preparing for birth
- Learning how to provide the best care for the baby
- Accessing transportation assistance
- Finding the right resources in the community, such as baby supplies, food resources and more
- Obtaining education on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
The coordination of care will take place between obstetric providers, outpatient medication-assisted treatment providers, outpatient mental health providers, the BVHS Labor and Delivery department, BVHS Special Care Nursery and BVHS MOMS registered nurse navigator. Experienced staff members deliver quality care during and after pregnancy.
To become involved in the MOMS project, contact Jennifer Loera, RN and clinical navigator for the MOMS project, at jloera@bvhealthsystem.org or 419.429.0170.