Jessica Silansky is a Certified Methadone Advocate, a certified Hepatitis C Educator and a Substance Abuse Counselor. Jessica’s most recent position was in Springfield, Massachusetts as a Case Manager for clients with the Disease of Addiction. Jessica is a graduate of Westfield State College Addiction Counselor Education Program. Jessica resides in the Springfield, Massachusetts area where she is currently spending time with her family and is a full time college student working on her ultimate goal of a masters degree in Counseling Psychology
Jessica first came to MethadoneSupport.org/PregnancyInfo seeking advice about pregnancy and methadone for herself and she has been here ever since. Her special interest in methadone and pregnancy drove her to expand her knowledge and she attended the New England School of Addiction Studies where she took classes in methadone and pregnancy. Jessica has been studying under Sharon Dembinski (a well known expert in this field) and learning all she can while she filled the role of Pregnancy Support Specialist for the site.
After finding recovery back in January 2005 Jessica found her calling and discovered her passion- Substance Abuse Counseling. It was through the death of someone very close to her that she came to realize that she needed to seek recovery and change her life. Jessica has had two babies while in treatment on methadone and is grateful for her recovery and the lifesaving medication that assisted her in maintaining her recovery and assuring the healthy outcomes to both her pregnancies. Jessica felt so strongly about methadone maintenance treatment that she traveled to the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) convention in New York City in April of 2009 where she attended the course to become a Certified Methadone Advocate (CMA).
Jessica quickly realized that her true calling within her passion of substance abuse counseling was methadone and pregnancy. She loves working with all the women that find our site in need of support, education and facts. Jessica plans to be here for a long time to come and working on our pregnancy support forum is a tremendous joy for her. Sharon Dembinski asked Jessica to serve as site Administrator a few months ago and Jessica accepted that role.
Sharon remains on as Expert Consultant and is available to Jessica 24/7!
We at MSO are proud and grateful to have Jessica here!....
Carol Sholiton
Founder/CEO - Methadone Support Org.
**ONE MUST BE REGISTERED ON FORUMS IN ORDER TO POST!**
Hi just found this site and would love to join I am due in 5 days via c-section and am on 95mg.What do I need to do PLEASE from what I have read this is the site I needed along time ago!This is my 3rd child but the first on anything at all and my husband and I are so scared!We've heard good stories and bad more bad than good though!
Stacy May 16th 2012, 06:12 AM
P.S. I was on 180 mg. liquid dose when I had my first and I am now on 90 mg.
Stacy May 16th 2012, 06:08 AM
Hi my name is Stacy...i have a 17 month old boy that I had while on methadone...i am now pregnant again and should have my second C-section within the next two weeks...i am soo scared because after the C-section was over last time I started to go into really bad withdrawals and I have no idea why! was it the epidural? the morphine? I am freaking out because I dont want to go through that again! not only that but thee morphine didnt seam to help with the pain at all...so not only was I withdrawling but I was in an insane amount of pain! I didnt get to enjoy my baby....so now ive been having panic attacks every time I think about having this C-section...please help! asap! you can e-mail me mommabug87@live.com much love & luck to all mommies... p.s. Ethan is a healthy happy toddler!
Cindy April 25th 2012, 12:22 AM
Hi, My name is Cindy and I apologize if I'm not responding to your thread the rite way. I'm new and still figuring out how the website works.
Any-how I gave birth to a 8lb baby boy two weeks ago who is currently being treated with morphine in the NICU. He was admitted to the NICU a little over 24hrs after his birth and stabilized at a dose of .25mg every 3hrs. He has been weaned down to the lowest dose of .11mg and receives this dose every 6hrs as of this morning.
I've searched for personal stories from mothers who went through the detoxification process in the NICU. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I began taking methadone because of a seven month opiate addiction. I live in a very small town and when I finally found the nerve to reach out for help I no one would accept me into a detox facility because I was pregnant, and the substance abuse counselors in my small town were completely against methadone. I finally found a methadone clinic an hr and a half away and drive there every morning. I will post my pregnancy, birth, and NICU experience story for everyone who is curious to what may happen. Just keep in mind every baby responds to treatment differently and every hospital has different procedures when weaning a baby with NAS.
Thank you soo much for this website! I'm thrilled I stumbled upon it searching google for NAS procedures. Us mothers need each other more-so because not a lot of research has been conducted on the long term (if any) effects of babies born with NAS. I look forward to learning a lot from you all...
Cindy
Jill April 4th 2012, 12:36 PM
I am 3 months pregnant and need a good Obgyn in Maryland. I'm currently going to another way methadone maintenance program located in silver spring MD. Unfortunately I don't think that it would be the best methadone program to stay on while I'm pregnant. I'm still in a state of shock ! I have a 12 year old son, but was not on methadone while pregnant with him. I've been on the Internet 24/7 since I found out that I'm pregnant but have not gotten anywhere. If you or anyone can help me as far as a good Obgyn, methadone maintenance program that is good with pregnant woman on methadone and of course advise I would greatly appreciate it. My email address is : odell.jill@yahoo.com
Thanking you in advance,
Jill Odell
Sherri August 7th 2011, 06:33 PM
I am a christian women, mother and grandmother. My youngest son has been living with his girlfriend for 1 1/2 yrs, she became preganant in January of this year. They both have had a past of drug abuse. My son went to a rehab & has been clean for 2 years. I just found out today that his girlfriend is in a methadone tx program with her pregnancy. I probably would not have known;except that i took her to a doctors appointment & the nurse spilt the beans. I was totally shocked & could not speak about it. Today, i sat with both of these young adults and we talked at length. Somehow, i feel betrayed for them not telling me sooner. Knowing that i have always been a source of support for them. I am in the medical field but do not have a clue about methadone & pregnancy. i have great fears for my grandson to be - I need your help with education & support to help these young adults. I look forward to any suggestions or help you can give me.
beverly June 20th 2011, 08:44 PM
I am 7 months prego and in need of advice! I am in a contract with my ob dr. and they only deliver at 1 hosp. Every app. I am meet with little care and told how I should be off my meds before I deliver,which I would love but know the dangers of doing so.Since finding out I was preg I began a taper and am down to a 10mg of methadone which I take 1 half pill 3 times a day,I also take 15mg of oxycodone 1 pill 3 times a day.The ob said it doesnt matter how much the dose and the baby still amy have horrible w.d. and told me about cases where the infant stayed for 3 mnths in nicu.I even met w the head dr of the nicu unit who was no help and even made jokes to passing nurses about going thru w.d. from not having personal calls at work.I am in need of advice,Im sick of being treated like a junkie and would love to look forward to the day my baby is born instead of feeling constant dread, please help! I am located in the tampa area
Nikki January 26th 2011, 11:26 PM
Oh Im so glad i found this website,,this has helped me so much.I have been on methadone for over a year now an it has changed my life is so many great ways.I was on here looken for info cause im haven a baby,,Im 5 months now an due in jun,,this has helped me explain methadone to my family that was worried now that they have seen this they arent,,,Thank you so much for this site
pbullygirl August 12th 2009, 08:35 PM
I also need to find a methadone friendly/educated OB/GYN in the Seattle,WA. area please help!!
sisterbrat January 2nd 2009, 01:50 AM
I need to know what dose they will be giving my daughters baby when she delivers
Janella November 29th 2008, 12:28 AM
Hi Sharon, i just found this site, i think its amazing! i got on methadone 7months ago when i found out about my baby!! i'm now 8months! Its saved both our lifes! i wish i found this earlier! i think what you have done is amazing!
izzieBee October 22nd 2007, 07:40 PM
Hi Sharon, thanks for helping me find this site. I am a first time grandma to be. My daughter is on Methadone and is due February 23, 2008 Its a GIRL!. I had so many questions when I found out she was still using drugs and pregnant. She has finally found help with MMT. I have encouraged her to check out your site and ask questions etc. What a wonderful place.
Renee s June 2nd 2007, 09:31 PM
Hello, I found you through the Watchdog message board and I wanted to say hi. This is a great site you have here. I have been on MMT for 11 yrs. and I am three months pregnant. Thank you for helping all of us, you truly are a guardian angel.
Lisa H May 15th 2007, 10:06 PM
How do I register to join the chat room?
Sandra A. Bartee RN,BS,RA November 21st 2006, 12:24 PM
Just found your site, Luv it! What a wealth of information.
Thanx Sandy
