NH Hospital Opens Substance Recovery Program for New Moms

A New Hampshire hospital is stepping up to support pregnant women facing one of the toughest challenges of their lives.

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center recently announced plans to launch an inpatient substance use treatment program designed specifically for expectant mothers in their birthing pavilion. The hospital delivers more babies exposed to substances in the womb than any other hospital in New Hampshire, making this new program a critical lifeline for families.

The $900,000 federal grant will transform two private suites into welcoming treatment spaces where women can safely begin withdrawal management and start recovery medications. Unlike typical medical rooms, these spaces are being designed to feel warm and safe, prioritizing comfort during an already stressful time.

"The goal of the redesign is to create a space that feels welcoming and safe, rather than medical in nature," said Daisy Goodman, a nurse midwife who specializes in caring for patients with substance use disorder.

The hospital is taking a truly collaborative approach to the design. Staff plan to consult former patients, recovery support doulas, and clinicians to create spaces that work for everyone involved.

The need is urgent. In 2022, 12.5% of babies born at DHMC were exposed to substances including opioids and cannabis in the womb. While DHMC ranks third in total deliveries among New Hampshire hospitals, it delivers the most babies with substance exposure, likely due to its large service area and specialized high-risk obstetric care.

Treatment has become increasingly complex as the types of drugs change each year. Nearly all patients now arriving at the birthing pavilion are using fentanyl, often mixed with dangerous contaminants that make withdrawal much more uncomfortable than drugs commonly seen in the past.

When patients are pregnant, withdrawal requires extra care because providers are treating two patients at once. The hospital has spent years training staff to treat substance use disorder as a chronic medical condition worthy of compassion and empathy, working to reduce stigma one interaction at a time.

The Ripple Effect

This program represents just one piece of a growing network of support. After initial stabilization at the hospital, mothers can transition to Families Flourish Northeast, a new residential facility opening in summer 2027 that will house up to 12 mothers and their children. They'll also have access to outpatient services through Dartmouth's Moms in Recovery program, including therapy, medication support, and peer connections.

"All those pieces work together, because substance use conditions are a complex medical condition that requires a lot of support and treatment," said Kate Olivia Stokes, a charge nurse and project manager in the birthing pavilion.

The collaboration is already creating excitement among community partners. Courtney Tanner, board chairwoman of Families Flourish Northeast, called it "a solid continuum of care for this population."

Every mother who gets the chance to start recovery is a family given hope for a healthier future together.