Pregnancy Care for People in Addiction and Recovery (Green Clinic)

Pregnancy Care for People With Addiction in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

The Karen W. Green Clinic for Pregnancy and Recovery (Green Clinic) at UMass Memorial Health is a place for healing and support. Here, a highly regarded team provides specialized pregnancy care and addiction recovery for people with substance use disorder. Our services help you and your baby before, during and after pregnancy.

Having addiction when you’re expecting can be difficult. But you don’t have to cope with it alone. It’s never too early or too late to reach out. We're here to help you take the next step, whenever you're ready.

About the Green Clinic

Our clinic wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of Dr. Karen Green. This former UMass Memorial maternal-fetal medicine (high-risk pregnancy) specialist was a pioneer in treating substance use disorder as a medical condition. Her approach laid the groundwork for how doctors all over the country care for patients today.

Addiction is a disease that stays with you for life, even when you are in recovery. This condition can be complex, and it takes time to begin to heal. You can count on us for respectful services focused on healing and long-term wellness. 

Services to Help Pregnant People With Addiction and Their Babies

The Green Clinic provides care and support to people navigating pregnancy and substance use. Your trust is very important to us, and we’re committed to honoring your privacy. We also follow all laws safeguarding health information related to substance use and treatment.

Here’s what you can expect from our care team:

Pregnancy, Postpartum Care and Family Planning

Services for pregnant people and their newborns include: 

• Pregnancy care: Prenatal checkups help us see how the pregnancy is progressing and catch early signs of complications. If it’s a high-risk pregnancy due to other medical conditions or substance use, we coordinate additional care.
• Newborn monitoring: After delivery, we keep a close watch over your little one to see how they’re adjusting and check for substance withdrawal. If your baby needs help with feeding or breathing, they may need to stay in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  
• Postpartum care: The weeks after childbirth are a time of adjustment. Visiting the Green Clinic regularly can help you feel your best. We provide postpartum checkups and additional support to help you avoid relapse and depression. 

Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Pregnant People

Our substance use disorder services include: 

• Addiction treatment: A doctor with specialized training in both obstetrics and gynecology, and addiction medicine guides your care. They plan treatments, manage withdrawal symptoms and find the right support for your needs. Find out more about recovery services.
• Medication-assisted treatment: If you are recovering from opioid or alcohol addiction, your doctor may prescribe medications to assist with recovery. We work with you to find the care that gives you the best chance of reaching your goals.
• Family-centered neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) care: If your baby shows signs of withdrawal, we use a special approach that helps you take an active role in your baby’s care. You learn to soothe your baby by breastfeeding, swaddling or holding them.
• Moms Do Care/OB-GYN Recovery Support: You’ll work with a mentor who has experience living through addiction and recovery. This added level of support helps you develop a plan for safe care and relapse prevention after the baby is born.  

Additional Services and Support We Offer

We may coordinate additional services depending on your needs. Our offerings include: 

• Psychiatric services: We coordinate care for conditions like anxiety, depression or other emotional issues that can occur with substance use. Get more information about psychiatric and mental health services.
• Family planning: These services help you decide if or when you want to grow your family or hold off at this time. We discuss birth control options that prevent unplanned pregnancies. Our supportive approach helps you make the choice that’s best for you.
• Support: Our social worker and recovery coach team help you navigate medical challenges, understand your care and connect with helpful community resources. This assistance makes it a little easier to manage the ups and downs of pregnancy, recovery and parenting.
• Transportation: Regular appointments help keep you and your baby healthy. If you are having trouble getting to the Green Clinic, let us know. We may be able to set up a ride service for you.