You Don’t Have to Face Substance Abuse While Pregnant Alone
If you’re in the throes of addiction while pregnant the situation can feel hopeless. You want to deliver a healthy baby, but to stop using is not that easy. You may be afraid your baby will be born with drugs in its system and the state will take your newborn away. And you can even face jail time. If this sounds like you, Serenity can help you deliver a healthy baby that you can keep, and help you avoid jail time.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Babies who are experiencing neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) due to a mother’s opioid abuse, are at risk for feeding troubles, respiratory issues, seizures, and sometimes death. The good news is when women who are pregnant receive proper prenatal care (NAS) is treatable.
How Serenity Can Help You
If you’re pregnant or have delivered a baby within the past 12 months we can help. You can join Health Life – our pregnant women’s program. We will make sure you deliver a healthy baby, and most importantly help you recover so you can go on to be the wonderful mother you were meant to be.
How Does the Serenity Pregnant Women’s Program Work?
- After undergoing medical detox you can enter the Healthy Life Program. If you are currently on an MAT relating to opioid use disorder, contact our Healthy Life Program to coordinate services.
- Once you’ve entered our program you will be in a safe environment where you can begin your treatment and prepare for success motherhood.
- You’ll be assigned a case manager who will coordinate your prenatal visits, help with insurance and medical needs, planning for delivery, and more.
- Every day you’ll participate in individual and group therapy, and parenting and life skills education.
- Mothers in our program can have up to two children with them.
- Moms usually have their own room with baby, but sometimes two mothers and babies will shar a space depending on the age of the babies.
The Effects of Substance Abuse on a Mother and Her Baby
Possible effects of substance abuse to a fetus include placental abnormalities that can result in miscarriage or stillbirth. Babies born suffering from the aftereffects of a mother’s addiction include a number of syndromes including:
- Neonatal Abstinence
- Fetal Alcohol and Sudden Infant Deal Syndrome
- Heart and lung issues
- Neurological issues
- Developmental disorders
Criminal Consequences of Substance Abuse During Pregnancy
In the state of Tennessee it is considered a criminal act to use while pregnant. However, if you seek help from a licensed facility and enter a rehab programmed it is unlikely you will be charged. It’s also unlikely that your baby will be removed from your care.
Get the Help You and Your Baby Need Today
If you’re feeling shame or embarrassment about your substance abuse disorder while pregnant you’re not alone. These are natural feelings, and healthy feelings. What most important is to know you are worthy of getting the help you need. Serenity is ready to help you change you live and protect your baby. We have all of the resources you need to change your life and be an amazing mom.
