The MOTHER Project
Maternal Opioid Treatment, Health Education and Recovery
Effective, accessible, medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder in pregnant women.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) based on the evidence
Research shows that opioid use disorder is most effectively treated with the help of medications, and that methadone is not optimal for pregnant women, due to its profile regarding neonatal withdrawal. We pursue optimal outcomes for the newborn child by offering evidence-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options, including:
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
Combining MAT with MFM for better access and outcomes
We provide MAT for opioid use disorder along with the specialized maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) care these women need for their at-risk pregnancy. This combined approach leads not just to improved access and lower costs of delivering care but also improved clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Partnership with the community for complete care
We partner with the community to provide complete wrap-around services. Our Behavioral Health Program Director facilitates and coordinates medication-assisted treatment, high-risk pregnancy care, behavioral health services, treatment for co-occurring disorders, aftercare planning, patient education, help from outside resources, and other individualized services.
Peer recovery support to maximize the benefits of treatment
Our peer recovery support specialist, a role model for personal recovery and how to apply coping skills, serves as an advocate providing contemporary support for these women in an outpatient setting right here in our office.
Who is eligible?
- Must be age 18 or older
- Must be pregnant
- Must test positive for opioids or admit to opioid use and express interest in medication- assisted treatment
- Referring provider is required to offer—and provide if the patient requests—immediate in-hospital placement of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) prior to discharge