Alcohol and Pregnancy: The More You Know Boston Medical Center: B Smart Program

We interview Dr. Yasuko Yamamura from the University of Minnesota about how, when and why to ask prenatal patients about their alcohol use, and listen in on a standardized patient session demonstrating screening for alcohol use in pregnancy. We also begin our conversation with Sue, a mother whose adult son has an FASD.

We interview Dr. Vincent Smith of Boston Medical Center and Boston University to learn more about FASDs and how to screen for prenatal alcohol exposure in pediatric populations. Once again, we listen in on a standardized patient session, this time demonstrating screening for prenatal alcohol exposure in a child who is having behavioral problems. We also hear from Sue again about her son’s journey to an FASD diagnosis.

We Interview Dr. Marilyn Augustyn, of Boston Medical Center and Boston University about the complexities of evaluating a child for an FASD and how to talk to families. We hear from Kendra Gludt of Proof Alliance about how best to support people living with an FASD. Finally, we talk to Finn, an inspiring young adult living with an FASD.

We interview medical expert Dr. Vincent C. Smith of Boston Medical Center on the foundational science of FASDs, including definitions, prevalence, diagnosis, and other challenges. We also begin our conversation with Carol, a mother whose child is affected by prenatal alcohol exposure, who discusses her life when she became pregnant and when her daughter was diagnosed with an FASD.

We interview Ms. Enid Watson, MDiv, of MassFAS and the Institute for Health & Recovery, about the various implications of FASDs and their impacts on children and families. We continue our interview with Carol who discusses the shame and stigma of having a child with an FASD, as well as what life is like for her adult daughter.

We interview public health social worker Ms. Alexandra Heinz on the risks and classifications of alcohol use, as well as the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment model. We also listen in on two standardized patient counseling sessions followed by Alex’s debrief and commentary.