C03-1 Living at “Ground Zero” of the Opioid Crisis: Challenges Caring for Women, Babies and Families Experiencing Perinatal Substance Use in Vancouver, BC

 

Authors: Lani Wittmann MN, RN, PNC(C), IBCLC; Kristen Ruddick BSc, RN, MPH

 

Presenters: Lani Wittmann and Kristen Ruddick, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver BC

 

Purpose: To explore the impact the current opioid crisis has had on an acute care hospital program caring for women experiencing perinatal substance use and their exposed newborns.

 

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the impact the current opioid crisis has had on an acute care hospital program caring for women experiencing perinatal substance use and their exposed newborns.
• Reflect on how the principles of harm reduction and trauma informed care guide practice when working with vulnerable populations.
• Identify innovative strategies implemented to meet the needs of women, newborns and families affected by substance use in pregnancy.

 

*****************************************************

C03-2 Pregnancy, Motherhood, and Addiction:  Experiences of Pregnant Women with Substance Use Disorders

 

Author: Jodie Bigalky, RN MN PhD(c)

 

Presenter: Jodie Bigalky, University of Saskatchewan, Regina SK

 

Purpose: This research explored the narrative experiences of pregnant women with substance use disorders. The purpose of this presentation is to share findings from this research to help shift how pregnant women with substance use disorders are perceived and to inform future programs of care across various settings including acute care and the community. 

 

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the complex lives and traumatic histories that women with substance use disorders often experience.
• Understand the social narrative that views drug-using pregnant women as incapable and precludes their motherhood. 
• Identify opportunities to shift how this population of women is perceived and inform future programs of care.     

 

*****************************************************

C03-3 Investigating the Impact of Trauma on Parenting in Mothers with Problematic Substance Use:  Relative Impacts of Childhood Trauma and Current PTSD Symptoms

 

Authors: Karen Milligan PhD, C. Psych; Mechelle Thomas BAH, MA; Victoria Ingram BA; Kayla Gillies BAH; Karen Urbanoski PhD

 

Presenter: Karen Milligan, Ryerson University, Toronto ON

 

Purpose: To examine the relative impacts of childhood trauma and PTSD symptoms on parenting behaviours among high-risk mothers with problematic substance use, who are parenting young children.

 

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about current research on parenting and maternal trauma.
• Gain knowledge on the impacts of childhood trauma and current trauma symptoms on parenting among high-risk mothers.
• Consider ways to enhance trauma-informed care to improve outcomes for high-risk mothers.