Hosted by Champlain Maternal Newborn Regional Program.

Date: May 14th, 2026 (register by April 30th)

Target audience: This workshop is intended for all practitioners involved in the care of mothers and newborns in the community.

Agenda: Google Classroom (independent online modules) + afternoon Zoom session.

Event description:

This workshop provides a solid foundation for evidence-based, person-centred, trauma-informed, and culturally safe care for pregnant and postnatal people who use substances as well as best practices related to the care of their newborns.

Format:

This workshop will be offered in a blended learning format and consists of 3 parts:

1. Participants are encouraged to complete a FREE online learning module Perinatal Substance Use available through the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine Continuing Professional Development at least 2 days prior to the workshop.
2. Online modules (using Google Classroom) to be completed independently prior to the Workshop. Estimated time 3-4 hours. The completion of the online modules will help to ensure that participants are prepared for the afternoon Zoom session where information is integrated into interactive discussions and activities.
3. Participation in an interactive Zoom videoconference session during the afternoon of the Workshop. Estimated time 3-4 hours.

All online modules must be completed prior to the afternoon Zoom session.

Objectives:

• Identify prevalence rates of the most common licit and illicit substances used during pregnancy.
• Summarize key risk factors associated with substance use during pregnancy and potential implications for maternal and fetal/neonatal well-being.
• Discuss the issue of stigma surrounding addictions and explore how it serves as a significant barrier to accessing appropriate services both pre- and postnatally.
• Review evidence-based strategies to support substance-involved families across the perinatal continuum.
• Increase knowledge of community resources.
• Review recommendations for substance-involved parents who are breastfeeding.
• Discuss evidence-based care of the newborn at-risk for or diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).
• Identify best practices in planning for safe transitions.