The Paradigm of Kindness training is a comprehensive, seven-module clinical education program designed to equip healthcare teams with practical, evidence-based strategies to deliver compassionate, patient- and family-centered care for infants and families affected by Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Grounded in the Eat, Sleep, Console (ESC) approach and structured around five core pillars, the curriculum progresses from foundational understanding to actionable practice change, beginning with Module 1, which introduces the scientific rationale and defines kindness as a visible, impactful clinical intervention, followed by modules that emphasize leading with kindness through stigma reduction and person-centered communication, empowering mothers as primary therapeutic agents, treating the infant with developmentally appropriate, relationship-based care, creating calming, home-like healing environments, and approaching medication use thoughtfully as part of a broader non-pharmacologic strategy. Each module integrates brief didactic content with case-based application, knowledge checks, and interactive reflection tied to a longitudinal patient scenario, reinforcing real-world clinical decision-making across the perinatal continuum. The training culminates in Module 7, which focuses on synthesizing all principles into daily practice, guiding participants through structured reflection and the development of 30-, 60-, and 90-day implementation plans to support sustained practice transformation at both the individual and system level.

This module introduces the Paradigm of Kindness (PoK) framework for caring for infants with Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Participants will explore the rationale, research, and evidence supporting a shift from traditional Finnegan-based care to the Eat, Sleep, Console (ESC) approach. The module emphasizes family-centered, compassionate care, highlighting the five pillars of PoK: Always Leading with Kindness, Empowering Mom as Medicine, Treating the Baby Like a Baby, Creating a Home-like Space, and Approaching the Use of Medications Mindfully. Throughout the modules, learners will review outcomes data, qualitative studies, and practical strategies for implementing PoK in clinical practice.

Objectives:

• Define Paradigm of Kindness​

• Explain the rationale and research behind A Paradigm of Kindness​

• Describe the upcoming course

Module Materials:

• Video Module Download Link

• Quiz File Module 1

This module guides learners in transforming clinical care through kindness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Participants will explore strategies to recognize and reduce stigma, use compassionate and recovery-oriented language, and foster therapeutic reconciliation in healthcare settings. The module emphasizes the importance of addressing trauma, both for patients and providers, while promoting practical actions and systemic change. By the end of this module, learners will be equipped to lead with kindness, reduce bias, and create healing environments for families and babies affected by substance use disorders.

Objectives:

• Recognize the amazing impact kindness has on clinical outcomes. ​​

• Explore how stigma and discrimination have affected care of pregnant patients with SUDs. ​​

• Discuss concept of Therapeutic Reconciliation ​​

• Discuss use of person-first, recovery-oriented language​​

• Create a plan for kindness, including fostering a mentality of grace, kindness and “Unconditional Positive Regard”

Module Materials:

• Video Module Download Link

• Quiz File Module 2

This module explores the transformative role of mothers in the healing of infants affected by Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Participants will examine the evidence supporting maternal presence, non-pharmacologic care strategies, and trauma-informed engagement as central pillars of Paradigm of Kindness. The module highlights the benefits of empowering mothers as medicine, including reduced withdrawal severity, shorter hospital stays, and improved family outcomes. Learners will review research findings, qualitative insights, and practical approaches for supporting maternal self-efficacy, promoting breastfeeding, and fostering healing through connection. By the end of this module, participants will be equipped to implement relationship-based care and empower mothers as essential partners in infant recovery.

Objectives:

• Maternal Presence and Infant Healing:​​ A mother's presence is crucial in promoting infant recovery and fostering family well-being, especially during NOWS/NAS treatment.​

• Non-Pharmacologic Maternal Interventions: Involving mothers in non-drug-based care strategies greatly improves outcomes for infants and families.​

• Empowering Maternal Self-Efficacy: Supporting maternal confidence helps mothers become empowered, essential partners in their child's healing journey.

Module Materials:

• Video Module Download Link

• Quiz File Module 3

This module explores the importance of treating newborns, especially those affected by Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), with compassionate, evidence-based care. Learners will examine the risks of infant isolation and the benefits of bonding, comfort, and parental involvement. The module highlights best practices such as room-sharing, skin-to-skin contact, responsive feeding, and the “6 S’s” soothing techniques. Participants will learn how to assess and support infants’ ability to eat, sleep, and be consoled, and how to apply ESC (Eat, Sleep, Console) best practices. The module also addresses care strategies when family is unavailable, emphasizing that every baby deserves nurturing and connection. By the end, learners will be equipped to deliver relationship-based care that supports both infants and families.

Objectives:

• Understand the risks of infant isolation​​

• Identify evidence-based strategies for neonatal comfort and bonding​​

• Apply ESC best practices.​

Module Materials:

• Video Module Download Link

• Quiz File Module 4

This module focuses on transforming clinical environments to feel more comforting, familiar, and supportive for birthing parents, infants, and families impacted by substance use disorder (SUD). Learners will explore the importance of rooming-in, parental presence, and environmental design principles, such as low stimulation, privacy, and adequate furniture, to promote infant comfort and caregiver involvement. The module highlights practical strategies for reducing the clinical feel of hospital spaces, providing family-friendly amenities, and applying flexible solutions across diverse settings. By the end of this module, participants will be equipped to create home-like spaces that support bonding, feeding, and healing for all families.

Objectives:

• Design Supportive Clinical Environments. Create and adapt clinicals paces to feel more comforting, familiar, and supportive for birthing parents, infants, and families impacted by SUD.​​

• Align Environment With the Paradigm of Kindness. Identify how environmental features enable or constrain implementation and make practical modifications that promote infant comfort and caregiver involvement.​​

• Apply Flexible Solutions Across Diverse Settings. Use realistic, adaptable approaches to enhance comfort and autonomy, even in units with limited space or NICU-specific constraints.​

Module Materials:

• Video Module Download Link

• Quiz File Module 5

This module explores Paradigm of Kindness with a focus on approaching medication use for infants and families affected by substance use disorder (SUD) in a mindful, compassionate, and evidence-based manner. Learners will review how to communicate medication decisions with families using trauma-informed, non-stigmatizing language, and understand the principles of medication-assisted treatment (MAT)/medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and safe prescribing for both mother and baby. The module emphasizes that medications are not a failure of non-pharmacologic care, but a supportive adjunct when needed, always paired with first-line nurturing interventions. Practical strategies for individualized medication use, PRN dosing, and protocols to keep mother and infant together are highlighted. By the end of this module, participants will be equipped to empower families, reduce stigma, and support recovery and healing through mindful medication practices.

Objectives:

• Identify how to discuss medication decisions with patients​. Focusing on communication techniques that are compassionate, trauma-informed, and supportive of family engagement.​

• ​Review the principles of medication assisted treatment (MAT)/ medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and safe prescribing for mom and baby. Emphasizing support of maternal recovery and infant health through safe, evidence-based medication practices. ​

• ​Emphasize that medications are not a failure of non-pharmacological care, but an adjunct to ESC when needed. Reinforcing that medication use is a supportive tool and should always be paired with non-pharmacologic care.

Module Materials:

• Video Module Download Link

• Quiz File Module 6

This module guides learners in integrating all five pillars of the Paradigm of Kindness into daily clinical practice. Participants will explore strategies for engaging leadership and staff, sustaining culture change, and learning from model sites that have successfully implemented the framework. The module emphasizes practical planning, data collection, and creative problem-solving to ensure lasting impact. By the end of this module, learners will be equipped to champion the Paradigm of Kindness, drive continuous improvement, and foster compassionate, family-centered care across their organizations.

Objectives:

• Integrate Paradigm of Kindness pillars into daily practice ​​

• Engage leadership in sustaining the Paradigm of Kindness framework ​​

• Review institutions currently doing this and the evidence behind it​

Module Materials:

• Video Module Download Link

• Quiz File Module 7

• Paradigm of Kindness Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Packet (applies to all modules)

• Interactive Component Workbook

• Interactive Component Answer Key

• Curriculum Terms of Use Notice