Pregnant/puerperal women who use crack: essential needs for reconstructing a drug-free life

Objective: This study aims to identify the essential needs of pregnant women and new mothers who were using crack that could help them to build a drug-free life. Methods: This case study with a qualitative approach was carried out with three pregnant women and two new mothers who were crack users. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews between October and December 2015. Results: Four categories appeared: “The need for protecting the child”, “The need for family support”, “The need for a trust relationship with professionals”, and “Spiritual needs”. Conclusions: Rebuilding a drug-free way of living is a collective undertaking involving the family not just as a resource, but also as an object of care. Professionals need to rethink their values and prejudices. Furthermore, governments must take this responsibility because their children will suffer if these women do not attend public health care services.