Midwives Uniquely Suited to Deliver Woman-Centered Care and Decrease Stigma for Women With Substance Use Disorders

Abstract

Midwives are being called to serve a growing population of vulnerable women, those with substance use disorders (SUDs). Increasing numbers of women across the lifespan are being diagnosed with SUDs. In addition, women with SUDs are experiencing very unique and distinct differences in stigma related to their substance use. This stigma is coming from varied sources and through many different forms including mislabeling, misinformation, the media, and a devalued maternal/child relationship. Mothers frequently experience different types of adverse health encounters during the perinatal and postpartum period that also contribute to stigma. Midwives are positioned to provide woman-centered care in a variety of practice settings as integral members of interprofessional teams. Midwives can decrease the stigma women with SUDs are experiencing while improving the health of women, mothers, and families worldwide.