Mutual Mistrust: The Multilayered Experiences at the Intersection of Healthcare and Early Parenting among Mothers with Opioid Use Disorder

Original research
by
Schiff, Davida M. et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

The aim of the study is to explore the early parenting experiences among a cohort of postpartum individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) both during and after the delivery hospitalization to identify areas of intervention to strengthen bonding and attachment.

Findings/Key points

Women experienced the following: (1) increased surveillance from healthcare workers who doubted their parenting ability; (2) a desire for a “normal” early parenting experience that was not disrupted by increased medical monitoring and surveillance; (3) complex and intersecting identities of being both a mother and a person in recovery; and (4) the importance of support from and advocacy by clinicians and peers to developing maternal confidence and connection.

Design/methods

Semi-structured qualitative interviews (n=26)

Keywords

Parents/caregivers
About PWUD
About prescribers