Maternal and Child
Health and Wellness

Helping Babies and Supporting Parents

American Indian/Alaska Native communities have long recognized the importance of community, family, and planning for the next Seven Generations. The role of elders as cultural leaders and children as the future is well understood. Tribes understand the importance of making a positive impact on the health of communities by contributing to the well-being of mothers, babies, fathers, children, and families.

The IHS has partnered with tribes, the Office of Women's Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Committee on Native American Child Health (CONACH), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to develop two guidelines focused on providing standards of care surrounding screening, diagnosing, and treatment of pregnant mothers and infants affected by prenatal opioid exposure.

A comprehensive approach to care for pregnant and parenting people, infants, and children starts with prenatal care and extends well into childhood. These resources will help providers improve maternal participation in early prenatal care and promote active participation in recovery strategies to improve overall outcomes for infants born with Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS).

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Plans of Safe Care Toolkit

Clinicians can impact and improve outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native pregnant and parenting people experiencing substance use disorders. To assist these efforts, the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB), alongside clinicians and individuals in recovery, developed a Plans of Safe Care Toolkit.Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

The toolkit includes a comprehensive guide for providers [PDF - 8.9 MB],Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  handouts for pregnant and parenting people and their supports, and posts to share on social media. It is designed to help clinicians care for pregnant and parenting people and their infants impacted by substance use disorders, support pregnant and parenting people transition into and remain in active recovery, and assist affected partners and families in growing stronger.

Webinar Recording: Best Practice Prenatal and Postpartum Care for People Experiencing SUDs

In this series of presentations, CAPT Molly Rutledge, MA, MS, Dr. Michelle Debbink, MD, PhD, Dr. Andrew Hsi, MD, MPH, and CDR Tina Pattara-Lau, MD, FACOG, share best practices, case scenarios, and program integration strategies as it relates to supporting pregnant and parenting people experiencing substance use disorders (SUDs).

View and watch presentation slides, resources, and the recording. Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

Resources

• AAP Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) Recommendation Report [PDF - 556 KB]
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Short- and Long-term Effects on the Exposed Fetus Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov [PDF - 769 KB]
• CDC Treating for Two Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Clinical Guidance for Treating Pregnant and Parenting Women with Opioid Use Disorder and Their Infants Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov [PDF - 855 KB] - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Plans of Safe Care Toolkit Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  - The Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB)