At Grasonville Health Services, we believe in supporting every pregnant individual dealing with opioid use disorder/addiction with compassion & evidence-based care. That’s why we were so eager to speak with Ashley, a dedicated Peer Recovery Doula who specializes in supporting those pregnant in addiction & recovery, especially those on Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Ashley’s work is not only professionally trained but also deeply personal, stemming from her own experiences.
A Doula’s Unique Role in Recovery
Ashley’s journey began after her own MAT pregnancy, where she faced firsthand the stigma & challenges within the healthcare system. This experience fueled her passion to become a birthing doula, providing continuous emotional, physical, & informational support before, during, & after birth. However, her work with clients on MAT takes on unique & critical dimensions.
“People on MAT often face deep stigma & discrimination, especially during pregnancy,” Ashley explains. “They’re more likely to be judged or mistreated in medical settings, less likely to be offered evidence-based options, & often fear that seeking care will lead to being reported or separated from their baby.”
Ashley’s role extends to harm reduction advocacy, emotional reassurance, & helping clients navigate a system that hasn’t always been kind. She educates on reducing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) symptoms & how to advocate for immediate skin-to-skin contact & breastfeeding (when possible), believing the mother is “the best medicine for these babies.” Her approach is always trauma-informed & rooted in respect, ensuring everybody pregnant with her feels safe & supported.
Filling a Crucial Gap in Care
Currently, there’s no national certification for doulas specializing in MAT & addiction-informed care. Recognizing this void, Ashley created her own Peer Recovery Doula training program. This program is designed for both trained doulas seeking MAT-specific knowledge &, powerfully, for mothers in recovery themselves. “I truly believe those with lived experience are some of the most powerful & empathetic birth workers out there,” she states. Her program covers addiction, MAT, trauma-informed care, birth advocacy, & stigma navigation.
The Overwhelming Challenges Faced by Pregnant Individuals on MAT
Pregnant individuals on MAT face immense emotional & practical hurdles. Ashley highlights the deep shame & fear many carry, even when doing everything right. They may fear judgment, reporting to child protective services, & isolation. Medically, they often report being denied pain relief or having their medication inappropriately disrupted due to providers’ lack of education on MAT.
“Postpartum, the challenges continue,” Ashley shares. “Many MAT mothers are automatically separated from their newborns for ‘observation’ — even in cases where there’s no medical need.” This separation disrupts vital bonding & breastfeeding & can lead to postpartum depression & relapse risk. Ashley emphasizes that specialized support is “absolutely essential” because “these parents aren’t just fighting to stay sober; they’re fighting to be seen as worthy mothers.”
Empowering Parents Every Step of the Way
Ashley’s support focuses on empowerment. She reminds clients that their choice of recovery & MAT is “incredibly brave.” She helps them rebuild confidence, trust their instincts, & advocate for themselves, even preparing them for challenging conversations with medical staff. “Sometimes, the biggest transformation comes from simply being believed — being told, ‘You are a good mom,’ & having someone in their corner who knows what they’re up against,” she says.
During labor, Ashley creates a calm, nonjudgmental space. She provides emotional support, acts as an advocate, uses comfort techniques, & delivers trauma-informed care. Post-birth, her support continues, especially if NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome) monitoring is needed. She advocates for breastfeeding, rooming-in, & the mother’s full involvement in their baby’s care.
Collaboration, Not Conflict
Ashley clarifies her role in a hospital setting: she works alongside OBs & midwives, but her primary allegiance is to those giving birth . She acts as a “bridge” between the client & the medical system, ensuring voices are heard & birth plans respected, particularly when bias might arise.
Crucial Postpartum Support & Preparation for NAS
Post-delivery, Ashley’s support becomes even more critical. She helps mothers advocate for their right to breastfeed, remain involved in their baby’s care, & understand NAS scoring. “I empower moms to be present & informed during NAS scoring,” she notes, highlighting that scores can be inflated due to bias. She also facilitates rooming-in & connects clients with legal & recovery resources.
For parents preparing for potential NAS monitoring, Ashley provides extensive education on what to expect, how scoring works, & their rights. She helps them plan for advocacy, encourages bonding, & offers emotional preparation for potential challenges. Her goal is to equip them with “knowledge and power.”
Hope for the Future of Maternal Care
Despite the systemic barriers, Ashley remains hopeful. “As harm reduction becomes more accepted & understood, we’re starting to see the old, punitive views around addiction & motherhood being challenged,” she says. She believes conversations are shifting, leading toward a future of greater equity in maternal care for all mothers, including those who are incarcerated, addicted, or on MAT.
Connect with Ashley & Find Resources
For those seeking support or more information, you can find Ashley at Recovering Roots on Facebook or email her at recoveringrootsbirth@gmail.com. She also recommends a Facebook group for mothers on MAT to share experiences: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/12Kf5ZnBePc/?mibextid=wwXIfr. Additionally, she suggests local peer recovery groups that are MAT & harm reduction-based, and the CDC’s MAT-LINK Network.
