The Partnering for the Future (PFF) Clinic at University of Michigan Health Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital is specifically designed for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD), substance use disorder (SUD) and chronic pain with long-term opioid use. We support patients in every stage from active drug use to recovery. Our interprofessional team provides prenatal care, mental health services, social support and physical therapy in one location. We can prescribe medication for OUD for patients who desire this recovery pathway.
Our approach ensures care is:
- Person-centered
- Trauma-informed
- Evidence-based
- Team-based
We offer a safe place to tell your story and help you get the best care for you and your family during and after your pregnancy. Our clinic seeks to remove the stigma, fear, and isolation that may come with using drugs or alcohol in pregnancy or being in recovery. We are here for YOU.
Our approach to prenatal care
Research shows that consistent prenatal care can help birthing people and their infants be healthy.
Together, we will develop your personalized care plan to support all aspects of your health and well-being, including:
Support for substance use disorders, recovery and chronic pain requiring opioid medications. We support patients in every stage of substance use disorder, from active drug use to recovery. We also can help patients who require long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain. Our services include:
- Care planning for substance use disorder and long-term opioid therapy
- Starting of medication for substance use disorder as appropriate (including medication for opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder)
- Recommending ultrasounds and other tests for the baby’s well-being
- Connection to community resources
- Preparation of caring for an infant with withdrawal after birth
Support for mental and emotional health. Pregnant people with substance use in pregnancy are more likely to experience mood and anxiety disorders as well. Our team is here to make sure you feel your best – physically and mentally – in pregnancy and beyond. Our services include:
- Assessment of mood
- Psychiatry consultation
- Medication for mood and anxiety disorders (including trauma-related concerns)
- Support with sleep disturbances
- Virtual counseling services to address mental wellness
- Connection to community resources
Support for physical health. Receiving prenatal care is important for improving your health and the health of your baby. We can provide prenatal care or work with your clinician to make sure your prenatal plan fits your unique needs including:
- Routine labs and assessments
- Testing for the baby
- Information about pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum recovery
- Preparation for childbirth, including completing a birth partnership plan and reviewing your pain management care with one of our anesthesia colleagues
- Coping with discomforts and pain in pregnancy, including seeing our physical therapist
- Connection to specialists as needed for additional care needs
Support for non-medical needs. The conditions in which people live, work and play have a big effect on health. Our team can help identify and connect you to resources to ensure you have what you need to thrive. Our services include:
- Social needs assessments
- Social work care coordination
- Resource connections/navigation of community resources
- In some situations, the state requires Children’s Protective Services (CPS) referrals. We provide open dialogue and guidance regarding CPS.
How might my pregnancy be different? There are some important considerations for pregnant people with substance use disorders or long-term opioid use in pregnancy that our team can help prepare you for, including:
- Pain management in pregnancy, during birth and postpartum
- Managing withdrawal in your baby
- Breastfeeding and other feeding options for your baby
- Postpartum expectations
What to expect at your appointment
Each person’s story is different. Our team-based approach to caring for you and your baby will be personalized to your own health and personal needs. At your first appointment, our team will take a complete and thorough physical, mental, and social health history to develop the best possible care plan in partnership with you (and your support persons, if you wish). The first visit is usually a lengthy appointment to get to know you and your needs and for you to meet all our team members. All our team members will be available to meet with you including:
- The medical team
- The mental health team
- The social work team
Subsequent appointments may be scheduled weekly or bi-weekly, if needed. We can sometimes do virtual visits (e.g., phone or video) if these are more convenient or accessible.
Our team
All members of our team are trained to care for pregnant people who use high-risk medications and substances and experience chronic pain in pregnancy. Our team members include:
- Obstetricians
- Perinatal psychiatrists
- Addiction specialists
- Nurse practitioners
- Anesthesiologists
- Nurses
- Social workers
- Physical therapists
- Eat, Sleep, Support Doulas
A shared commitment
Our team is committed to supporting you throughout your journey. You are not alone and you can count on our team for a compassionate and respectful person-centered approach to care.
If you have concerns about your medications or your drug use, we encourage you to speak with us in confidence. We are committed to the health and safety of you and your baby.
Additional resources
- Accidental Poisoning or Drug Overdose During Pregnancy
- Resources for Patients and Families on Opioid Use During Pregnancy
- Clinical Guidance on Treating Pregnant Women with an Opioid Use Disorder
- Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) During Pregnancy
- Substance or Opioid Use and Pregnancy: How an Anesthesia Consult Can Help
- Trauma Informed Care
Take the next step
To make an appointment or speak with a member of our team, call 734-763-6295 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
For triage, possible labor, or immediate concerns, call OB triage at 734-764-8134 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)