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
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