The opioid crisis had a devastating impact on people of all age groups in recent years and, tragically, infants, too, have not been spared. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a substance use disorder described as a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress that can affect anyone regardless of race, gender, income or social class. OUD can cause many negative health outcomes for mothers and babies, during pregnancy and after delivery. According to national data, there are 59 newborns diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) — a withdrawal syndrome that can occur in newborns exposed to substances, including opioids — every day in the U.S. 

The Fairfax County Health Department has added an opioid nursing position to their Maternal Child Health nursing team as part of their overarching strategy to prevent opioid overdoses, the harms they cause, and provide support and interventions that a new mother needs after delivering a child with neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Opioid use during pregnancy has been linked to harmful birth outcomes, including early birth, low birth weight, as well as breathing and feeding problems for the child. A mother experiencing OUD, too, is at risk of overdose or withdrawal, poor or delayed prenatal care, poor self-care and nutrition, mood disorders, and many others. Providing a nursing plan of care for families affected by substance use disorder is a key action provided by the new Maternal Child Health Public Health Nurse Specialist, Asenath Ndamukong.

Ms. Ndamukong recently presented information about her role to the Fairfax County Opioid and Substance Use Task Force and shared that her unique, role will:

• Support overall coordination of the Fairfax County Health Department's Maternal Child Health Services and help enroll impacted mothers in the home visiting programs.
• Monitor and evaluate the effects of interventions and collaborate with home vising team to adjust plans of care accordingly.
• Research and promote evidence-based practices for families affected by substance use disorders.
• Assess ongoing client/family engagement and monitor how to enhance engagement to support the overall health and wellbeing of client and family.
• Work with diverse agencies to build collaborative relationships which provide wraparound services and supports families impacted by substance and opioid use disorders.

Ms. Ndamukong is suited for the job. As a former Nurse-Family Partnership home visiting nurse, with a newborn of her own, she relates to mothers and the issues surrounding being a new parent.

“There are so many complex issues involving infants; attachment, safety, health concerns, and childcare. Babies do not come with manuals,” she said. “Parenting is not easy — and when a parent is experiencing financial and/or health struggles, it is even harder to stay informed about basic ways to provide a healthy home environment. Also, navigating the health care system presents an added stress for pregnant and parenting individuals.

The Maternal Child Health Home Visiting Nurses provide compassionate and trauma informed care to all pregnant and parenting individuals. During home visits, clients are educated about many topics, including, practices that can help them thrive, such as how to help them stop smoking, breastfeeding, parenting skills and connecting clients to resources, where to find food or housing, when needed.

“Every child deserves a parent who can provide for their needs, emotional as well as physical, and that is what I am here to support. Every pregnant and parenting individual deserves to be provided with evidence-based information and education so that they can make informed decisions for themselves and their families. I am honored to be part of this important, innovative Fairfax County Health Department program.”

For more information, or to make a referral to the Fairfax County Health Department Maternal and Child Health Home Visiting Programs, leave a message on the referral line at 703-246-8450 or call 571-396-1947.

This Fairfax County Health Department position is an initiative of Fairfax County’s Opioid and Substance Use Task Force. Learn more about the continuing initiatives.