Strengthening My Clinical Expertise: Perinatal Substance Use Disorder Certification

I’ve recently added a new layer to my professional training: certification in Perinatal Substance Use Disorder. This certification strengthens the care I already provide across fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Substance use during the perinatal period is far more common than most people realize. Many parents use substances to cope with untreated anxiety, depression, trauma, or the strain of balancing personal and professional demands. At the same time, suicide and accidental overdose remain leading causes of maternal mortality in the United States. These realities shape the day-to-day needs of the families I serve.

This certification enhances my ability to:

• recognize early signs of substance use or misuse

• understand how substance use intersects with mental health and maternal outcomes

• respond in a way that is calm, direct, and nonjudgmental

• support the parent–child relationship with accurate, practical guidance

• reinforce treatment plans and collaborate appropriately with clinical teams

The goal is simple. I provide care that doesn’t overlook the hard things. This training ensures I can identify concerns before they escalate and support families with the level of precision, professionalism, and privacy they expect.

As Of Her Womb & Co. continues to expand, maintaining a high standard of expertise is essential. This certification is one more way I strengthen the safety, stability, and support offered to every family who trusts me with their care.

If substance use is part of your story, you are not alone and you are not beyond support. These resources offer confidential help, crisis intervention, and access to professionals trained in maternal mental health and substance use.

• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (HHS/HRSA)

  • 24/7 confidential support for pregnant and postpartum parents

  • 📞 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) Text option available.

• SAMHSA National Helpline

  • Confidential treatment referral for mental health and substance use disorders

  • 📞 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

  • Free, 24/7, nationwide.

• PSI Helpline (Postpartum Support International)

  • Support, guidance, and connection to local resources

  • 📞 1-800-944-4773Text “HELP” to 800-944-4773.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

  • Immediate support for suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or substance-related crisis

  • 📞 988

  • Available nationwide, 24/7.