PREGNANCY & CHILDBIRTH

GRACE Program

Guiding Recovery and Creating Empowerment (GRACE) Program

Are you pregnant and struggling with opioid, alcohol and tobacco misuse/addiction? If so, you are not alone and we are here to help you.

As part of the program, GRACE participants work with a nurse case manager and social worker who guide them through pregnancy and into the postpartum period. They provide non-judgmental support and connect women to treatment providers and other resources in the community to help address and overcome substance misuse.


Who can participate in GRACE?

The GRACE Program provides support for women in the Baton Rouge and surrounding areas suffering from the following addictions during pregnancy:

  • Opioids
  • Cocaine
  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco

How can GRACE help?

  • A nurse and social worker support women through pregnancy up until one year after giving birth.
  • Women are provided with education on substance use and the safest treatment options during pregnancy.
  • The GRACE team will connect participants to resources in the community to aid in treatment and recovery.
  • GRACE helps women and their babies receive the best care possible.

What is the cost to participate?

  • The program is free of cost to participants and open to any pregnant woman in the Baton Rouge area, regardless of where she is receiving prenatal care.

Is participant information kept private?

  • All phone calls and appointments are private and confidential.
  • A participant’s private health information is protected by federal laws and regulations and cannot be shared without her permission.
  • Woman’s Hospital will not report drug use for patients enrolled and participating in the GRACE Program. Information regarding health history and treatment also will not be given as evidence for criminal drug charges.

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome & Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a group of conditions caused when a baby withdraws from certain drugs he or she is exposed to in the womb before birth. Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) is caused by drugs called opioids.

You are not alone. Talk to someone who cares.

GRACE, which stands for Guiding Recovery and Creating Empowerment, is a program that provides non-judgmental support and resources to women who need help with substance misuse during pregnancy.

How can I enroll myself or a loved one?

For more information on the GRACE Program, or to refer yourself or another woman in need please call the number below.

All phone calls are private and confidential.

Additional Resources

Learn more what you and your baby will be facing and how to take care.

GRACE Patient Privacy FAQs [pdf]

Get answers to frequently asked questions about patient privacy, such as “why do I have to sign a consent form?”

Health Action Sheet [PDF]

If you take these prescription pain medications or other opioids during pregnancy, it can cause serious problems for your baby.

Hoja de acción de salud

¿Toma alguno de estos medicamentos recetados para el dolor? Leer más información.

What is neonatal abstinence syndrome? [PDF]

Understand what fighting opioid addiction during pregnancy means to you and your baby.

Caring for your baby with NAS [PDF]

Babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome can have health problems at birth and may need treatment in a hospital.

Pregnancy, Methadone and Buprenorphine [PDF]

Most doctors treat opioid misuse in pregnant women with either methadone or buprenorphine, which are associated with improved outcomes.

MotherToBaby

Please visit these fact sheets for information on the effects of different opioids/narcotics during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.