This time of year can be less than jolly (and exceedingly difficult) for moms who are dealing with substance use disorder. Really, the stressors of the holidays can send any mom into overload. But it’s also the time of year when moms who are struggling might be most open to seeking help, deciding to get care, or being willing to ask providers like you for advice on where to turn. This is when referrals and partnerships to connect moms to resources are so important. From helping them understand treatment options, to knowing where to connect them to resources in their community for childcare, transportation, access to food, and more – you can be the one person who gets her connected to the very things she needs to be her best, healthiest self during the holidays and beyond.
In this newsletter, we introduce you to organizations who are lifesaving, life-changing connectors for moms. They are welcoming, nonjudgmental resources who understand the unique needs (and fears) of moms with substance use disorder and offer not only expertise and trusted services, but a safe place for moms to seek help for themselves and their children.
Recovery can happen at any stage of life, from pregnancy – to moms with children at home to “grown and flown.” No matter when she reaches out or comes in contact with you and your team, her success and health depend on providers listening, having empathy and compassion, and being willing to find the resources that will meet her where she is and help her move forward.
Family Connects Colorado is a successful, evidence-based model and program that connects parents of newborns to the community resources they need through postpartum nurse home visits. Learn more about this exciting work and their plans for expansion.
Moms who have used substances while pregnant are worried about the health of their baby, finding care for their delivery, and are often scared that child services might take their kids away. To these moms, Elephant Circle simply and beautifully says, “We offer unconditional love and support.” Learn more about their resources and doula services.
Learn more about how you can tap into Colorado's Peer Support channels and add this critical element to your care.
With a shortage of care providers across the state, peer support is an important integration into your services to expand support and care. You should know that there is fiscal support for this component of care and the integration of peers into your work can be incredibly additive and rewarding. Learn more.
Shiela found inspiration in her faith and
grandchildren to seek support.
Finding a willingness to receive help was a defining moment for Toni. Hear her story about second chances.
Tough as a Mother is proud to promote and support The Colorado Naloxone Project. Their important works outreaches hospitals and emergency departments across Colorado. The MOMS initiative (Maternal Overdose Matters) specifically addresses at-risk mothers and includes Narcan kits as part of regular post-partum care. Currently, 14 of Colorado's 48 maternity wards have signed on and the project's goal is to have 100% on board by October 2023. Help them reach their goal by sharing this with information with your network. Check out this articleto hear firsthand from Dr. Klie, an addiction specialist at UC Health share with CBS Colorado this powerful program.
Sign up today! Virtual PSI Perinatal Mental Health Trainings
in February
In partnership with the Right Start for Colorado program at WellPower, the following trainings (please note that the training titles are linked to flyers with additional information):
Please note that the 2-Day PMD Components of Care Trainings are open to a wide variety of professionals who work with the perinatal population; in addition to mental health clinicians and physicians, these trainings are created for doulas, lactation consultants, community health workers, nurses, and peer specialists, and anyone else who supports families in the perinatal period who might benefit from this content.
We want to hear from you.
Help us build statewide collaboration and share your resources, stories and events with the rest of the Tough as a Mother community.
Tell us what you are up to and we will happily share it out.
Tough as a Mother is a collaborative statewide initiative launched
and funded by Signal, the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA)
and the other managed-service organizations across the state including Diversus Health, Mental Health Partners and West Slope Casa.
