A young mum has thanked an awarding-winning Lanarkshire service for saving her life.

Stephanie Girvan (26) had issues with alcohol and drugs when she found out she was pregnant. She was then referred to the Lanarkshire Additional Midwifery Service (LAMS) by her GP.

Stephanie said: “I didn’t know the LAMS service existed. It was a relief to know there was someone there for you as it was daunting to deal with everything on your own.

“The LAMS service is unique as the thought of walking into an antenatal clinic when I had a lot of emotional baggage was intimidating. I didn’t want people judging me.”

LAMS provides specialist antenatal care to women across Lanarkshire who have a current or recent history of drug and alcohol misuse and associated complex needs, including poor mental health, domestic abuse and homelessness.

Lorraine Farrow, specialist midwife substance misuse, said: “We offer a full holistic assessment and a person-centred package of care for each woman. This ensures the health and wellbeing of the woman, her unborn baby and the wider family network and promotes a sustained and healthy recovery from substance misuse.

Fellow specialist midwife substance misuse Liz Walsh added: “We provide care, advice and support from NHS premises and in women’s homes, which ensures women are able to access our services at times and in places that best meets their needs.”

Importantly the service was developed with the input from women so that it meets their needs. Feedback from women who have used the service is also used to continually improve the service for them.

Thanks to the help of LAMS, Stephanie now has her hands full with her “wee lifesaver”, one-year-old daughter Amaya.

Stephanie said: “It is scary to think where I could be if it was for LAMS and Amaya.”