Introduction to the Perinatal Substance Exposure EDucation (PSEED) Toolkit
The statewide Perinatal Substance Exposure EDucation (PSEED) initiative is a comprehensive, multimodal training program designed to standardize and strengthen North Carolina’s perinatal substance use disorder (PSUD) workforce. The program equips teams with the knowledge and tools needed to deliver accurate, evidence-based pre-delivery education to pregnant individuals affected by substance use, with a particular focus on opioid use disorder. The primary goal is to support teams with the knowledge and skills in delivering PSEED education between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
Listen First: Nothing About Us Without Us
In this podcast, the Director of the North Carolina Perinatal Substance Use Disorder Network is joined by three leaders who bring both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation. Together, they explore what meaningful perinatal substance exposure education looks like. They explore what was helpful, what they wish they had known, and share how compassionate communication and education can shape experiences during pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
Start Here
What Is PSEED?
PSEED (Perinatal Substance Exposure EDucation) is a structured educational approach that helps healthcare teams prepare pregnant patients affected by substance use disorder for delivery, newborn care, and the transition home.
By providing consistent, patient-centered education before delivery, healthcare teams can reduce uncertainty, improve communication, and help families feel more prepared for what lies ahead.
Mini Seed #1: How to Approach the Conversation
Learn communication strategies that help healthcare teams navigate these conversations with confidence, reduce stigma, build trust, and create more supportive, patient-centered interactions.
Mini Seed#2: Treatment of the Newborn & Lactation
Families deserve clear, consistent information about what to expect after delivery.
Learn how to provide evidence-based education on newborn care, neonatal monitoring, breastfeeding and lactation, and other common questions that can reduce fear and build confidence before birth.
Mini Seed #3: Hospital Discharge Planning
The transition from hospital to home is a critical moment for patients and families.
Discover practical strategies for discharge planning, coordinated communication, and connecting patients with the resources they need for ongoing recovery and postpartum care.
Mini Seed #4: CAPTA/CARA, Notification Processes, and Plans of Safe Care
Questions about Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), notification requirements, and Plans of Safe Care are often a major source of anxiety for both families and healthcare professionals.
This Mini-Seed will help reduce the unexpected and provides guidance to help you explain these topics before delivery, reducing uncertainty and helping patients know what to expect during their hospital stay.
Thank You For Joining Us
These Mini-Seed modules provide an introduction to the principles and practices of Perinatal Substance Exposure EDucation.
To become fully prepared to implement PSEED within your organization, continue with the complete PSEED Educator Training, which includes the full toolkit, implementation guidance, and recorded learning modules.
Ready to bring PSEED into practice?
• Patient education tools and resources
• Effective communication techniques
• Real-world examples and best practices
• Practical approaches your team can begin using immediately
Limited scholarships are available for individuals currently working in a NC PSUD Network hub or spoke setting. Use discount code PSEEDNow during checkout to complete this 90-minute training at no cost. This opportunity is limited and is provided on a first come first serve basis.
PSEED Toolkit Resources
Thanks to Project CARA at Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) for the usage of the PSEED logo and training materials.