Ep. 97 - Before the First Breath: Keeping Babies and Moms Healthier - Meghann Perry, CARC, RCPF

Prenatal substance use is often misunderstood, oversimplified, and met with stigma instead of support. In this conversation, Christina Dent and Meghann Perry explore the complex realities facing mothers who use substances during pregnancy—from trauma and addiction to healthcare barriers and the fear of criminalization. Together, they reflect on the importance of compassionate care, the power of bonding and attachment, and what it looks like to invest in families so both moms and babies can thrive. This episode invites us to move beyond judgment and toward curiosity, connection, and systems that heal rather than harm.

About Meghann:

Meghann Perry, CARC, RCPF, is an award-winning keynote speaker, storyteller, theatre educator, curriculum developer, harm reductionist and addiction recovery coach. She creates innovative learning experiences blending Theatre, Storytelling, and Coaching and is an international educator of the behavioral health workforce. Meghann is the author of two groundbreaking programs, Recovery Storytelling and Embodied Storytelling, and a global keynote speaker and presenter on peer support, storytelling, and stigma for organizations like NIH, NAADAC, FAVOR, PRCoE, HRSA, Hazelden, and the recent Lisbon Addictions Conference. Meghann is a person who used drugs who passionately supports people in prevention, harm reduction and recovery and leads a team of dedicated facilitators redefining education and intervention in the substance and mental health field. 

Links: 

• Meghann's paper in Health Affairs: www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.00647
• Meghann Perry Group website: www.meghannperry.com

 

Keywords: prenatal substance use, maternal health, addiction, recovery, healthcare, bonding, criminalization, compassionate care, systemic issues, early childhood trauma.