Providing Vital Connections for Pregnant Women Struggling With Substance Use

About eight years ago, Courtney Boyle, DO, an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), noticed more newborns affected by prenatal substance exposure. This signaled a growing need to better support pregnant women navigating substance use challenges, a population often overlooked and underserved despite the complexities of their health needs.

In the U.S., it’s estimated that around 5 percent of pregnant women use substances, yet many treatment programs are hesitant to serve them. Too often, expecting mothers are told to wait until after delivery to seek help, missing a crucial window for support that benefits both mom and baby.

“They’re afraid of doing harm,” Dr. Boyle says. “Programs sometimes say, ‘come back and see us after you deliver,’ but that leaves women without the care they deserve during a critical time.”

Dr. Boyle, shaped by her upbringing in a Pennsylvania coal town deeply affected by substance use, saw an opportunity to lead with empathy rather than judgment.

“I knew these women,” she says. “They were friends, family, neighbors. And I saw how society often misunderstands and stigmatizes them – especially during pregnancy.”

Determined to create a space where pregnant women with substance use disorders could feel supported and safe, Dr. Boyle helped launch The Connections Program about seven years ago. This one-of-a-kind program in the Lehigh Valley offers comprehensive, compassionate care specifically designed for pregnant women navigating substance use.

“There is no other pregnancy-specific program for substance use in our region,” Dr. Boyle says. “While other cities like Reading and Philadelphia have programs, we’re the only one right here in the Valley.”

The program addresses all aspects of health – physical, emotional and behavioral – by meeting people where they are and helping them build a healthy path forward. Most participants are managing opioid use, and the team also screens for methamphetamine, alcohol, tobacco and other substances to ensure holistic care.

“We use a supportive, trauma-informed approach to talk about substance use,” says Dr. Boyle. “It’s all about creating a space where people feel heard and respected.”

The Connections Program is based in the same offices where patients receive OB-GYN care, making access seamless and familiar. Services include:

• Comprehensive prenatal care
• Education and preparation
• Referrals to counseling, treatment and recovery support
• Certified peer support through recovery specialists
• Help connecting to community resources
• Ongoing medical care and outreach after delivery
• Advocacy for families’ needs and well-being

The program has served more than 1,000 mothers and continues to grow.

“Patients often share things they’ve never told anyone before,” Dr. Boyle says. “That trust is what helps us break down barriers and build lasting connections.”

Currently, Dr. Boyle is the program’s sole physician, but she extends her reach through telemedicine and by serving as a round-the-clock resource for colleagues and community partners.

“Local agencies have my mobile number and text me when they need support,” she says. “I’ve noticed they’re reaching out less, which I hope means they’re gaining confidence and knowledge.”

Through her work, Dr. Boyle continues to advocate for respectful, inclusive care that honors the strength and resilience of every mother.

“There’s nothing more powerful than seeing a mom succeed – for herself, for her baby and for the future she’s creating.”

If you or someone you know is seeking support for substance use during pregnancy, help is available. Call 888-402-LVHN (5846) or reach out to your clinician through the MyLVHN app or at MyLVHN.org.