According to Wikipedia Neonatal withdrawal or neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a withdrawal syndrome of infants after birth caused by in utero exposure to drugs of dependence. There are two types of NAS: prenatal and postnatal. Prenatal NAS is caused by discontinuation of drugs taken by the pregnant mother, while postnatal NAS is caused by discontinuation of drugs directly to the infant.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms often begin within one to three days after birth, but may take up to a week to appear. Because of this, the infant may need to stay in the hospital for observation and monitoring for up to a week. Withdrawing from different drugs, including prescribed medications, and nicotine from smoking, produces its own signs and symptoms in the infant. Neonatal abstinence syndrome may occur when a pregnant woman takes opioids such as heroin, codeine, oxycodone, methadone and/or buprenorphine.
Benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and certain antidepressants (SSRIs) can cause dependence in the infant while in the womb.[3] The severity of the withdrawal symptoms in the neonate can be affected by the route of administration used by the mother, the metabolism and elimination of the drug from the mother’s system, and the length of time that the drug was taken. More severe instances may include acting irritable or jittery, feeding problems, and diarrhea. Symptoms vary depending on which substances were used.[3] A history of substance of abuse in the mother before the birth increases the likelihood that the infant will develop symptoms of withdrawal.
Generally, an infant going through withdrawal has a distinctive cry. It can be described as being high-pitched, non-stop and shrill. A newborn withdrawing from drugs or alcohol may be hypertonic and have convulsions. Seizures, increased Moro reflex, tremors, irritability, and disturbed sleep patterns can be observed.[4] Respiratory symptoms of withdrawal include a temperature greater than normal, tachypnea, apnea, nasal congestion, nasal flaring, blotchy skin, and yawning.[4][3]
Withdrawal can produce gastro-intestinal symptoms such as poor appetite, regurgitation, vomiting and diarrhea. The sucking reflex can be incessant and uncoordinated.[4] Babies of mothers who use drugs of dependency throughout their pregnancies may have long-term problems.[3]
For a complete list of withdrawal types, causes, mechanisms, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and more… Click Here
Thrive seeks to partner with special agencies such as Brigid’s Path. Your support will provide assistance to such programs provided by private agencies for those that do not have Medicaid.
With your help and support Thrive Peer Support will be able to provide up to 1 year of services to at least 100 non-Medicaid mothers.
Thrive’s desired goal is help NAS Moms to achieve long-term sobriety and to break the cycle of more babies being born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Outcome studies have demonstrated better whole health, fewer ER visits and fewer hospital days when a mother is supported by Peer Support.
The assigned Peer Support Specialist will be available…
- for Daily Check In Calls
- to Meet In Person At Least Once Per Week
- to Provide HIPAA Compliant Video Conferencing
- to Assist In Development Of A Recovery Plan
- for Ongoing Review and Maintenance Support
- to Provide As Needed Transportation
Since Thrive Peer Recovery Specialist are Certified by the Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services Board and receive an additional 40 hours of training of Thrives’ systems, processes and other mental health training along with their personal lived experience are able to provide mothers with a better opportunity of succeeding during their journey of recovery whether Prenatal or Postnatal.
We would like to thank you in advance for your generous support. Your help will allow Thrive the opportunity to partner with special agencies, treatment centers and court appointed referrals that do not have Medicaid and the necessary support they need to be successful in meeting their treatment plan, to reduce the likelihood of their future babies being born with NAS; and those that are desiring to complete the required plan to regain custody of their baby due to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
Your Financial Support Does Matter – Click Here to visit our GoFundMe Campaign for more details on how you can support and share Thrive’s mission to provide NAS Peer Support 100 non-medicaid moms.
