Our maternal care team is here to support you and your baby.
Why is Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome a concern?
Babies of women who take prescribed medications for anxiety/depression and those receiving medication in treatment programs may face unique challenges following delivery. Although these medications are necessary and need to be taken during pregnancy, your baby can withdraw from them following delivery.
Some babies do not experience these challenges, others may have difficulty eating, sleeping, and consoling.
Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children is devoted to addressing the needs of all babies and their families. Our Mother Baby team is educated in the best ways to help both mom and baby during their stay with us.
Eat, Sleep and Console Program
Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children offers a free class prior to delivery to expectant mothers who are taking prescription medications for anxiety/depression and those in medication assisted treatment programs. The goal of this class is to empower mothers with the skills and techniques to support their baby before, during, and after their hospital stay. This class teaches mothers and her support person how to console, massage, and swaddle her baby. It teaches mothers to know that she is the BEST medicine to help her baby through this special time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my baby have all of the symptoms of withdrawal when it’s born?
Medications for anxiety/depression, Subutex, Methadone, and nicotine can cause withdrawal in your baby. Each medication presents with different withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can vary significantly from no symptoms to many symptoms.
How long will my baby withdraw from the medications?
Each medication has a different length of time that the baby will show signs and symptoms of withdrawal.
Who will know about my medical history?
Only those who need to know to effectively care for you and your baby.
NOWS the same as NAS?
NOWS is an updated term to reflect the class of medications – opiates.
Will I be able to breastfeed my baby?
Our Lactation Consultants are here to support you during your breastfeeding journey. Sometimes medications that are taken during pregnancy can effect breastmilk. Our Lactation Consultants and your healthcare provider will collaborate with you to determine the next steps for feeding your baby.
Who is on my care team?
Your care team will include – Trained nurses to support and assist you with your needs at bedside, Lactation Consultant to support you in breastfeeding your baby, Occupational Therapist to support you with daily care and managing withdrawal symptoms, Case Management to provide resources and assist as needed, OB/GYN to ensure you are healing appropriately following delivery, Hospitalist/Pediatrician to ensure your baby is gaining weight, doing well medically, eating, sleeping and consoling well.