Patient Education 🤰

Patient education starts by first building rapport between the provider and patient to foster open conversations about their concerns and to correct any misinformation. In most instances, the jail’s medical provider or behavioral health staff member is the most equipped to have these conversations. If topics or questions arise that you do not have the answer to, let the patient know and inform them that you will find out and report back to them.

Sharing as much information as possible about their pregnancy and opioid use care is vital to eliminating the stress caused by the unknown. Pregnant people with OUD want to make sure their pregnancies and babies are okay. There are many existing patient education materials for pregnant individuals who use opioids or who may exhibit polysubstance use. Providing written educational materials as well as talking through the content is helpful.

Action Items

1. When a pregnant person with OUD enters your facility, engage in a compassionate and transparent conversation with them by asking them what concerns they have about their pregnancy or what information would be helpful to know. Make note, and address what things you can answer, can’t answer, and what you will try to find out. Most patients want to discuss their concerns and not just be handed information.
   • A staff member with clinical or mental health expertise is best suited for this conversation.
   • If the person does not identify any specific topics or issues, offer them educational materials according to trimester or information on opioid use during pregnancy (see Resources). If they decline, let them know they’ll be able to access this information later.
2. Having ongoing conversations and check-ins with pregnant folks can go a long way in easing their stress from being pregnant while incarcerated. Unlike pregnant individuals not in custody, they cannot easily access information or experts to ask questions as their pregnancies progress.
3. Provide evidence-based clinical information to pregnant people who use opioids to promote both maternal and infant health outcomes.
   • Use the items listed in Pregnancy-specific considerations to guide your conversation and your search for additional patient education materials.
   • For instance, it is safe to breastfeed while on MOUD and it is beneficial for the baby.
4. Use non-stigmatizing and non-judgmental language when engaging with patients. For instance, when referring to the infant, say a “newborn experiencing neonatal withdrawal” not “addicted baby.” See Staff Training for more details.

• SAMHSA Opioid Use Disorder and Pregnancy (education materials)
  • OUD and pregnancy 
  • Treating OUD during Pregnancy
  • Treating babies who were exposed to opioids before birth 
  • Good care for you and your baby while receiving OUD treatment 
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • FAQs: OUD and Pregnancy
• Supporting pregnant and parenting patients who use drugs 
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline — Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)

Provides 24/7 free, confidential support with professional counselors before, during, and after pregnancy. The hotline can provide real-time support and information, resources, and referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups.

• A New Mother’s Guide, Motherhood Beyond Bars
  • The First Trimester
  • The Second Trimester
  • The Third Trimester

Explains what to expect and understand in each gestational period of pregnancy, mindfulness breathing techniques, daily affirmations, and worksheets that are specifically designed for incarcerated pregnant individuals.