This mixed-methods study explored how women receiving medication for opioid use disorder defined recovery two to six months after childbirth. Eight participants recruited from an outpatient perinatal addiction clinic completed recovery measures and semi-structured interviews informed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recovery framework.
All eight participants described themselves as being in recovery. Their goals extended beyond avoiding substance use to improving relationships, financial stability, health, resilience, and a sense of self. Participants described recovery as an ongoing transformative process and emphasized the importance of medication treatment. The authors recommend individualized postpartum care reflecting patients’ own recovery goals and note the need for further research to develop measures tailored to this population.
Original summary for clinical review. Read the published study.
