Everyone is fighting their own battle, but there's no rule that says we must fight alone. In fact, asking for help is one of the most courageous things a person can do. The mothers who participate in the Reading Hospital's Soft Landing Program exhibit this bravery every day.

"Our patients really do try their best and put in the hard work to try to improve their lives and their babies' lives," said Jami Geist, program manager. "When they struggle, they keep going. We have the privilege of being able to be there to support them."

The use of substances such as alcohol, marijuana, opiates, and stimulants can be detrimental to mom and baby. Since March of 2021, the Soft Landing Program has aimed to help those who currently use, those who have stopped and those who are utilizing Medicated Assisted Treatment.

With the right support, recovery is possible for mothers, regardless of circumstance. This mindset is what inspired the aptly-named program that assists pregnant and postpartum women who need support on their journey towards recovery from substance abuse. Everyone deserves a soft landing.

"We want to provide the best possible outcome for moms and their babies," added Geist.

Support services consist of care coordinators who make sure patients are receiving prenatal care and substance abuse treatment. They also work to ensure patients have appointments scheduled, transportation to get there, and childcare if needed.

The support also comes from therapists and groups. Women can connect and form bonds, and eventually, they develop their own community. More than 140 women have gone through the program, some of them are experiencing their second pregnancy, while some are first-time mothers.

"We're here for them from the beginning of pregnancy up to their youngest child's third birthday," explained Geist. "Some women need us for their first and second pregnancy and others only need added support for a short period of time to help them get through a tough spot."

Along with therapists and parenting education groups, the program also offers a contingency management closet. Women can earn tickets for items such as diapers, lotion and baby clothes, all within a reasonable price range. During the holidays, many local members of the community and businesses donate toys for the children in the program so that all participants receive gifts.

The program does not use goals to measure success. Instead, staff address different obstacles for individuals Because any step towards recovery is a moment to celebrate. When someone comes for treatment or is able to stop their substance use and is able to take their baby home, everyone wins, Geist said.

"We're cheerleaders and problem solvers, and we do what we can to make things easier," she said. "We stick with them every step of the way so that they can reach the point where they're ready to stop using substances."

Although success is not measured in a traditional way, there is proof in numbers: more than 80% of babies go home with their moms. One of the ways that Geist and her team make this happen is by connecting patients with a certified recovery specialist, which has proven to be very helpful. They also help mothers to connect with parenting teachers who address development and parenting education.

"We plan ahead for who will take care of the baby and how to handle obstacles that may pop up. By thinking ahead and being proactive we can make sure the right support is in place," Geist said. This involves sitting down with mom, dad, and any other family members to discuss next steps."

What started out as a program solely for moms with opiate or stimulant use disorders eventually evolved into a program that provides support for almost any substance abuse disorder. They strive to be as open as possible when referrals come in.

Though the Soft Landing Program is, in a way, a baby itself, the years have been kind to it. Only four people make up the team, but the help they have provided our community is immeasurable. As the years pass and the program grows, so do the success stories. The progress is only possible because these mothers were brave enough to seek their own soft landings.