Heroin / Methadone

Identifying

Within 24 to 48 hours after birth, the baby exposed to opiates will begin to show signs of withdrawal: Frantic movements, sweaty, high-pitched cry, tremors, an inability to sleep or suck on a bottle, fast breathing, increased heart rate and loose stools. It is possible to see sweating and more gastric problems also. All of these symptoms are more likely to be more severe in a methadone-exposed infant, which may cause a baby to require administration of prescribed narcotic drugs.

Support

The use of prescribed drugs for the baby will need to be determined within the first two weeks of the baby’s life. The symptoms of withdrawal must be closely monitored to know if the use of therapeutic techniques needs to be supplemented by medication.  Prescribed meds MUST be administered by a clinic or hospital. The use of therapeutic handling techniques is essential to the safe and successful withdrawal of a baby exposed to opiates. It is also very important to reduce his environmental stimulus. This will help the baby to be more comfortable and to stay calm. In addition, because of all of the disorganized physical activity seen in these babies, his need for a diet high in calories to replace those he is quickly burning off, is very important. The onset of withdrawals this baby may require more frequent feeds—every three hours instead of four, but care must be taken to avoid over-feeding. Before the baby is stabilized on his medication you may possibly see an increased number of stools, which may be liquid, indicating internal withdrawal. These stools can be explosive and may contain blood. The stool’s acidity will quickly burn the buttocks. Immediate diaper changes are required.

Risk Factors

• - Overfeeding

• - Infant stoke or seizure

• - Abuse

• - Bouncing from placement to placement