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Opioid Addiction Treatment During Pregnancy: Emphasizing the Importance of Bonding and Treatment

Exploring the importance of opioid addiction treatment during pregnancy, emphasizing the role of buprenorphine and methadone, and highlighting the significance of mother-infant bonding through nursing and the swaddling approach for infant well-being.

August 29, 2023

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic Team

pregnant woman getting. check up in a gray dress

Addiction is a pressing concern in our society, impacting individuals, families, and communities at large. Among the affected populations are pregnant women, who face unique challenges when grappling with opioid addiction. It's essential to emphasize the vital importance of seeking treatment during pregnancy to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the child.

The Significance of Nursing & Bonding During Treatment

The bond between mother and child is sacred and plays a crucial role in the overall well-being of the infant. This bond starts as early as the nursing phase. For mothers undergoing opioid addiction treatment, there might be concerns about the effects of medications like methadone or buprenorphine on breastfeeding. As stated in the referenced video, these medications are present in very minimal amounts in breast milk.

Encouragingly, the continuation of nursing and fostering the mother-infant bond during the treatment phase has its merits. This act significantly enhances the relationship between the two. Moreover, the infant's health benefits from the mother's milk, coupled with the emotional and psychological gains from the bonding experience.

The Swaddling Approach

Dealing with irritability in newborns, especially those born to mothers undergoing opioid addiction treatment, requires a gentle and compassionate approach. One method is the swaddling approach, where irritable infants are wrapped in comfortable blankets, held close, and softly spoken to. This method provides a sense of security and comfort to the baby, often making medications unnecessary during these trying moments.

The Role of Buprenorphine and Methadone in Treatment During Pregnancy

Both buprenorphine and methadone come highly recommended for use during pregnancy, especially if the expecting mother was already on either treatment before the pregnancy. These treatments play a pivotal role in ensuring the health and well-being of the mother and the child.

When an expectant mother, addicted to opioids, seeks treatment, a discussion takes place regarding the choice between buprenorphine and methadone. The treatment path is then decided based on the mother's preference and specific circumstances.

Conclusion

Seeking treatment for opioid addiction during pregnancy is of paramount importance. It is not only about the health of the expectant mother but also about ensuring a healthy start for the infant. With the right support and treatment, mothers can navigate this challenging phase with confidence and hope. It's essential for society to understand the significance of treatments like buprenorphine and methadone, and the role of nurturing practices like swaddling and breastfeeding, in supporting mothers on their journey to recovery.

Educational content from Core Medical Clinic. This article does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Initially, an intake assessment and admission medical history and exam is completed by counseling and medical staff. Treatment options are discussed and a course of action taken. Medication recommendations are made and initated to balance safety and benefit as much as possible. It is very important to let counseling, dispensing and medical staff know how the medication is working or not so appropriate adjustments can be made.

At C.O.R.E., we strive to individualize treatment and maximize success. There is no time pressure. Some do well with short term treatment while others benefit from long term treatment. We know relapse is common and can have disasterous results. We work hard to treat each patient as long as is required to achieve long term success.

First we work closely with the individual to achieve a “normalizing’ dose of medication to alleviate withdrawal and craving while minimizing side effects. Working closely with medical, dispensing and counseling staff most often allows us to achieve this goal in the first few days to weeks.

Not necessarily. C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic serves patients in Sacramento, West Sacramento, and surrounding areas. People often choose a clinic based on accessibility, treatment needs, and location.

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic accepts several health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, MHN, Anthem, Medicare, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Optum, Blue Shield of California, Magellan Health, and Western Health Advantage.

As most patients entering treatment know, opioid withdrawal is awful and inevitably leads to continued use. We are sensitive to how terrible the craving, restlessness, anxiety, bone aches, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, sweating, etc. can be. If alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other drugs are involved withdrawal can be medically dangerous and require residential or coordinated medical care. Opioid withdrawal can be greatly reduced or eliminated by the early doses provided but again frequent contact with treatment staff for medication adjustments is very important.

The great majority of patients seeking treatment for opioid addiction can continue their normal life, including work, while they are working to find their ’normalizing’ medication dose. If residential or coordinated medical care is required, some time off may be necessary but again this will be individualized. Clinic hours are designed to accommodate the vast majority of working patients.

We work hard to educate patients about the benefits and safety of MAT. Many myths circulate about MAT such as it causing liver problems, bone problems and being harder to get off than fentanyl or heroin. These are absolutely false and will be discussed in detail with your treatment staff. Patients who receive MAT are much healthier than patients not in treatment. Learning to manage common side effects like constipation and weight gain can make patients healthier than they have ever been. All opioids are hard to get off but MAT can set up a very careful and safe detox when a patient is ready. An abrupt short term detox is not advised and can be difficult but a gradual, medically safe detox minimizes withdrawal symptoms. Supplemental safe, non addicting medications can further reduce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

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