Buprenorphine treatment during the extended postpartum period: a survey of patient experiences

During the extended postpartum period, majority of patients described treatment satisfaction with buprenorphine as overwhelmingly positive regardless of formulation. However, despite this, individuals most often reported goals to discontinue treatment, particularly during the late postpartum period. And individuals reported social supports disagreed with continuing buprenorphine treatment long term (i.e. several years). These findings highlight the need for stronger reinforcement of buprenorphine as a treatment for a chronic condition during the extended postpartum period, with an emphasis on educating and involving social supports in the process.