January 28, 2025 – Pregnancy is often a time of joy, but for some women, it also brings the challenge of overcoming a substance use disorder. Substance use and substance use disorders during pregnancy are linked to obstetric and neonatal complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects, developmental delays, and mental health challenges. Alarmingly, they are the leading cause of pregnancy-associated deaths in New Jersey, according to the most recent New Jersey Maternal Mortality report.
RWJBarnabas Health is working to change this narrative by fostering a supportive, compassionate environment, implementing harm reduction strategies, and providing peer-based support to ensure healthier outcomes for mothers and their babies.
Impact of Stigma
Despite the serious risks associated with substance use disorders during pregnancy, many women hesitate to seek treatment due to fear of judgment and stigma. This reluctance can lead to delayed care and worsened outcomes for both mother and child.
“Substance use disorder is a medical condition, not a moral failing,” explains Alexis LaPietra, DO, FACEP, Medical Director of the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery (IFPR) and System Director of Addiction Medicine. “We understand that stigma can prevent pregnant women from seeking help, but we’re here to provide compassionate, judgment-free care and resources to support both mother and baby on the path to a healthier future.”
Addressing stigma requires fostering empathy, educating the public about addiction as a medical condition, and promoting non-judgmental support for pregnant women seeking help. By creating an environment of understanding, we can all empower mothers to prioritize their health without fear of being judged.
Importance of Support
Support is critical for mothers with substance use disorders to ensure they receive the care and resources needed for a healthy pregnancy and recovery. At the heart of RWJBarnabas Health’s approach is the integration of peer recovery specialists into maternal care. These specialists, who are in long-term recovery themselves, provide invaluable support to expectant mothers.
“By sharing their own experiences, peer recovery specialists can build trust and provide a unique level of understanding and encouragement,” says Dr. LaPietra. “Compassionate intervention improves outcomes for both mother and baby, breaking the cycle of addiction and fostering healthier families.”
Building a Healthier Future for Mom and Baby
Other initiatives that focus on creating healthier futures for moms and babies include:
- Centering Pregnancy, a program of clinically led group prenatal care that brings together moms with similar due dates to support healthy pregnancies and babies.
- TeamBirth NJ, a national program to support better provider and patient communication to enhance the birthing experience and improve outcomes for moms and their babies.
- The RWJBarnabas Health Center for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders cares for women who are pregnant, postpartum or who are coping with the loss of a baby.
RWJBarnabas Health’s comprehensive programs reflect a commitment to breaking down barriers to care, addressing substance use disorders with empathy and expertise, and improving outcomes for both mothers and their children.
Dr. LaPietra concludes, “Every woman deserves the chance to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. By breaking down barriers to care and addressing SUDs with empathy and expertise, we are making that possible.”
If you or someone you know is pregnant or postpartum with a substance use disorder and needs support services, call the RWJBarnabas Health maternal health team at 848-303-0008. Learn more about comprehensive maternal health services at RWJBarnabas Health.