Press Release

April 10, 2018

Maine DHHS Releases Second Edition of SnuggleME Guidelines

AUGUSTA – In an effort to assist healthcare providers in identifying possible signs of substance use during pregnancy, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), together with community stakeholders, has released the Second Edition of the SnuggleME Guidelines. With the First Edition released in 2013, the SnuggleME Guidelines serve as a collection of evidence-based tools and information for medical and nursing providers in the fields of family medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, and addiction medicine to effectively care for pregnant women with substance use disorders and their newborns. The comprehensive tool outlines the importance of screening for and addressing perinatal substance use in pregnant women, pain management treatment options for expectant mothers with an opioid dependency, newborn care recommendations, and resources for continued patient education.

"Time is precious when it comes to the proper development of a fetus during pregnancy," said Dr. Christopher Pezzullo, Chief Health Officer for Maine DHHS. "Early and recurring screenings accompanied by timely referrals are the best and only option in providing adequate care for pregnant women struggling with a substance use disorder."

In addition to outlining recommendations for prenatal, labor, and postpartum care of pregnant women with substance use disorders, the Second Edition of the SnuggleME Guidelines introduces new printable rack cards, up-to-date screening tools, information on available treatment services, and newborn care policies in accordance with the 2012 American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines around Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, medication management, and breastfeeding. Additionally, the SnuggleME Guidelines enhance care coordination between families and providers by including referral forms and information on various services and supports.

"This new edition of the SnuggleME Guidelines gives these providers the necessary resources to do what they do best—protect the health of expectant mothers and newborns," said Dr. Bruce Bates, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. "The information will aid providers in connecting mothers to the treatment they need, and moreover, will educate and empower patients in the long-term care of their babies and their own personal wellbeing."

Relevant department chairs of Maine's largest hospitals and state perinatal nursing associations will receive hardcopies of the updated Guidelines, accompanied by a letter from Drs. Pezzullo and Bates, on the importance of periodic universal screening of women who are pregnant or of child bearing age, as well as a trifold checklist brochure for providers to follow in conducting such screenings and a 2-1-1 wallet card.

"A necessary step in fighting the opioid crisis is embracing and de-stigmatizing the individuals impacted, specifically drug affected newborns and pregnant mothers struggling with a substance use disorder," said Ricker Hamilton, DHHS Commissioner. "Focusing on the people with these conditions is key to finding long-lasting resolution."

To access a digital PDF version of the Guidelines, please visit: www.maine.gov/dhhs/SnuggleME