DOH can train for your staff on lactation in substance use contexts

The state Department of Health will release new guidelines on lactation and substance use over the next few months. Upcoming materials will also include provider- and patient-facing guidance related to these topics. Starting in 2023, DOH staff in the Perinatal Unit will be available to offer trainings or presentations on maternal and child health and substance use disorder.

Statewide public health partners have recently hosted the Perinatal Unit team at meetings held by community partners, providers, and organizations. This team can tailor the topics, their presentation length (30 minutes to two hours), and training to meet your team’s, community partners, and group needs. Topics covered include:

• Current evidence on risks of substance exposure via human milk for different substances including opioids, stimulants, cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine
• Patient counseling on infant feeding and substance use
• Reducing harms of parental substance use, including exposure via human milk
• Ways to educate patients on potential outcomes and risks

Are you interested in learning more about the perinatal team’s work? To find out more or schedule the team to present and/or train providers and partners at a perinatal event or meeting, email Maternal and Child Health Data Communications Consultant Natalie Franz.