As a 7 yr sober recovering addict… PATIENCE IS KEY!! Love, humility, compassion, and acceptance are the primary focus!! Don’t give up and keep being the strong people you are!
4 Likes
Yes. It’s not just withdrawal symptoms it’s potentially a lifetime of behavioral and other issues. Our first year was amazing once meth was out of her system. The next two years… rough. She will be 3 tomorrow. But every child is different. PM I would love to talk.
6 Likes
I fostered a baby that was addicted to almost everything accept alcohol, be prepared for excessive crying and tremors.
5 Likes
I work in well baby nursery and unfortunately deal with withdrawing infants often. A few things you can do is as little stimulation as possible, dim lights and low music. Most of them have excessive suck so have plenty of pacis. Keeping the baby swaddled will help with comfort and just hold him/her. Patience, patience, patience! They can’t help what they’re little body’s going through so just love and try to soothe as much as possible. Prayers for you and this precious child.
14 Likes
I fostered a beautiful baby girl. Educate yourself highly.
Use your resources constantly.
Addition to above, ours also had extreme sensitivity to light, noise, touching her too much, fabrics, etc. any stimulus. Best of luck, lots of prayers for you all and set up a backup care provider (educated and experienced) EARLY. that’s for YOU not the baby. 
6 Likes
I don’t have much advice other than please look into donor milk from other moms over formula. My aunt in law is fostering a little girl that was born to an addict and after detoxing and going through withdrawals at the hospital was having a very hard time gaining weight. I had my youngest daughter around the same time and pumped to get an oversupply to feed her foster baby and it worked like a charm. BM has amazing healing properties that will help the baby. Good luck momma!
13 Likes
Filtering the baby’s blood will help they should do that at birth i am rasing one in same drug premiere one month and now is 14 no problems
1 Like
Patience, patience patience lots of love. Not going to lie to you it’s going to be very hard. Baby will go through DTs just like an addict. Please turn to others for help. Itll be overwhelming. I’ve worked with children that were addicted due to “parent”. Theres many health issues and mental health issues as they grow. Most you won’t know of until later. You’re never alone remember that. Continue to ask for help, be it medical, religious, or us here on this page. I’m sure none of us will let you down. Stay positive and you’ll make it.
2 Likes
My nephew was born one month early due to his mother doing drugs. He was in the nicu for a month to detox and he was very fussy so she gave my brother (baby’s father) full custody.
He now is 3 and he has speech delay and hearing problems due to the crash and herion his mother did while pregnant.
He’s super smart though and it just takes a lot of patience. My brother busted his ass to make sure his son knew he was loved and had all the patience in the world to comfort him through everything.
It’s a beautiful thing you’re doing. That baby is blessed to have you two as his/her parents. Just be patience and with extra love & cuddles helps.
2 Likes
Daniel Eichler what we were talking about x
1 Like
Hello! I am raising my grandchild who was born at 25 weeks and was born dependent on fentanyl/heroin, meth, and Benzos. Each drug causes different symptoms and can also cause lifetime issues, all ranging from withdrawal, respiratory issues, poor weight gain, problems feeding, tremors, over stimulated, behavior issues, brain development and more. Now that sounds overwhelming I am sure! So my advice is to listen to your babies doctors, and allow the specialists to be added to babies care. One of those will be (or should be) Developmental Pediatrics and a doctor or group of doctors that deal with NAS babies. (Drug babies sounds horrible, Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome is what it really is) Some Children’s hospitals will have NAS Clinics. A lot of patience and I can’t stress this enough…SELF CARE, will be needed! Please take care of yourself so that you don’t become depleted. It gets easier. Be prepared to feel heartbroken if baby has bad withdrawal symptoms. Also it is ok to feel angry too. Nobody likes to speak about that, but if you feel anger because this helpless baby is suffering and had no choice, it is normal. Best of luck to you and I pray baby transitions smoothly! Oh one more thing… you are awesome to do this💕
5 Likes
It isn’t actually easy and “lots of cuddling” just doesn’t make the baby normal and everything ok again. You’ll have a very VERY hard time ahead.
But I give you great wishes and luck as you are very brave and good hearted to do this. You’ll save that baby’s life.
1 Like
Take as much help as you can get. It will get tough and it will get overwhelming, but it is so worth it. That baby will grow up and know what love is because of you and your husband. 
bless both your hearts.
There are group pages for these medical babes. My son has a gtube and I read alot from Foster and adoption parents about babies that were born to addict mother’s, in my gtube groups.
I have fostered 2 babies born addicted. One to meth and one to marijuana. The marijuana was not so bad. The meth was a bit harder. He was very sensitive to brights lights, sounds, anythi,g that over stimulated him. I used a baby wrap and carried him a lot as he found that comforting. Lots if skin on skin. Try to avoud letting him or her get over stimulated, it seems hard to calm back down. He ate 1 oz every hour around the click. It got better as the months went by. Have some support lined up so you can take a break. Make sure the baby bonds! Put all that extra time in now to ensure healthy social development as it seems to be something they struggle with down the road. Im not an expert! But please feel free to message me! I’m willing to share what I learned! God bless you, and best of luck!
The baby will stay in the NICU until it is cleared. Usually 2 weeks. Some babys have al.ost no side effects some have alot. Sometimes the side effects can last even after being released from the hospital. Being extra fussy, hard to sleep, sometimes the babys belly can upset very easily when starting solids, colic, sometimes the muscles will be a bit rigid. They sneeze alot. High pitched cry. They get diaper rash much easier.
Every babe is different in their recovery, just be patient, loving and understanding.
Listen…that baby is going to need TOUCH. Lots and lots of it. To be held and not put down. Probably rocked and swayed constantly for the 1st few months of life and if you take on this responsibility, dont back away from it. The baby will already not be in the care of the biological mom…and babies know this. He is clearly getting a rough start and an unfair cut to begin with but it’s amazing that you’re going to be there to care
My son went to the NICU in Flint MI for fluid in his lungs when he was born and the amount of drug addicted babies in that room was scary. The sounds they made were aweful.
Love that baby. Be prepared. Ask the staff questions. I’ve seen (videos) of baby’s born addicted and I just wanted to hold them and love them. It’s a big challenge but the fact you stepped up to Foster the baby already shows you got every bit of love that baby is going to need.
Bless you and your husband!
2 Likes
I thought they had to be hospitalized and go thru withdrawals and put on morphine.
8 Likes
Ur in for a rough ride but in the end its gonna be worth it all, I know a little girl named joy, her mom did it all through pregnancy, baby had seizures and problems when she was born, and prematuratly, it was so sad for me I couldn’t go see them anymore
3 Likes
My daughter (adooted) had gi issues from heroine exposure. She cried mostly all the time, had a milk intolerance, and her little tummy was hard… they ended up putting her on neocate, prevacid (for silent reflux), and a muscle relaxer. The nb stage was tough for the first couple of months. But shes had no issues since. And mine wasnt withdrawing from drugs and didnt have to be on morphine or phenobarbital
4 Likes
Pretty sure baby will be in hospital for some time to help wean baby from the drugs. After that I dont exactly know how it works. Once the baby is born and tests positive for those drugs, they usually involve CPS… just saying. I hope you’re allowed to have baby, but hope you also realize that it’s going to be more difficult considering the drugs the baby will be hooked on. Watch the movie losing Isiah with Halle berry. It’s pretty accurate.
2 Likes
She needs to get her uterus removed
46 Likes
What amazing people you are! It will be painful to watch an innocent child in pain due to no fault of their own. Remember why you are doing it through the tough times, remember how better off it is with you under your care, and take everything day by day. Don’t become overwhelmed there are so many what ifs and possibilities that probably won’t even come into existence be prepared for the worst but fight for the best each day, appreciate each breath and coo.
4 Likes
Two of my bonus babies are meth thc babies one is alcohol. The meth babies were by far the hardest. They didnt give them meds for withdrawl because they didnt withdrawl bad BUT they are no limit soldiers. We got very little sleep the first 6 months they did not like to nap or sleep at all. Sometimes inconsolable. Now they are almost 2 and 3 years old and were back to no sleeping at all. And sleep meds dont help. They also hsve no concept of their own safety and are no limit soldiers lol but they are loving and sweet as can be and one is super smart but we do have speech delays motor delays etc… Its worth it tho even on the days when you think you cant do it anymore.
4 Likes
Naomi Paul maybe you have some advice
The mom can get on methadone ASAP and it will not only help her but also help the baby. If the baby is born addicted the methadone that’s already in the moms system will help counteract any addiction the baby might have. She needs to get off the heroin and meth ASAP and treatment with methadone is a great thing.
I work with addicts everyday including pregnant ones so I’m not gonna argue with ppl that dnt know first hand about MAT.
9 Likes
No advice other than try to get her to quit at least for the rest of pregnancy and sending Prayers for you and that precious baby
1 Like
This is happening more and more. ( Babies born addicted to drugs ). It makes me so angry. Many of these babies will have learning disabilities and all. I can’t believe how selfish some of these women are to put their baby in harms way. Thank you for stepping up and being the hero for this innocent baby. They should make that woman get fixed !!
17 Likes
God bless you for taking the baby in.
They baby will mostly likely be in the hospital for a few days to weeks to detox and be stable without the drugs in its system. My cousin did this to he youngest and my ain’t has custody of all 4 of her children. He was in the hospital for a few weeks. Not more than a month if I remember right. Just stay strong. My sister also did drugs and lost custody if her children. One of her children live with me and my mom and my daughter. He had drugs in his system but once he was able to breathe normally in his own he was able to come home. Every baby is different. They may come out on the other end just fine or there may be life long complications. You’ll just have to stay strong and be ready for it all. Just remember the baby didnt ask for any of it and needs all the love in the world.
3 Likes
Bless you both. It is extremely difficult from what I have read. Babies will have tummy issues, very fussy, do not sleep well. Poor babies smh:disappointed:
The baby will stay in NICU until detoxed. The unknown is what damage has been done to brain, organs that is not visible at birth
It’s so sad what people put their children thru
Is there any way you can get her in a rehab for methadone?? Shew if the doctors are not aware of this they need to be. Asao
That is so awful. How could a woman sit there and do dope when there’s a baby inside her? Please try to tell her she needs to tie her damn tubes. That poor baby is so screwed before it even had its first breath… my god. This shit pisses me off.
1 Like
My parents and I fostered and then adopted a sibling group of 3. They were all born drug and alcohol addicted. When we first got them as fosters the youngest was only a few months old, then there was a 2 and a 4 year old. They’re now in their 20’s but they did have a lot of emotional and attachment issues that we had to deal with. It affected their logic reasoning a lot and educationally they were hit or miss. 2 out of the 3 needed speech therapy as well. The youngest still has a lot of problems but the oldest has a stable job and will be getting married. The one in the middle joined the military is a reservist now as well as a manager for Kay Jewelers. They grew up a lot in therapy though. But at such a young age, you’ll only see mostly attachment issues and withdrawals. But it will get better with time.
1 Like
Take that baby in, he/she will have withdrawls. That baby will cry all night and all day. You cant do much but give her/he attention, love and affection. Theres nothing more you can do. Just be there, be the parent and love him/her. Sing, vibrate them, hold them close. They will get past this.
1 Like
Prayers for that sweet baby and the mother. Its an awful thing.
Be prepared for an over-stimulated baby. If the baby is like the ones I have been around like that, everything will make them cry. Touching them, rubbing them, patting them, feeding them, changing them. The drugs will over sensitized their whole body. The baby will probably have stomach issues which will make feeding and ensuring weight gain a challenge. It will be fretful and not sleep much. Most babies born under this circumstances are born early and under-weight, so that will be against it too. My advice is to prepare for the worst case scenario, pray for the best and expect it to be somewhere in the middle. I’ve seen cases where the baby is fine, but that is really rare. A lot of the drug damage to the baby will not really be seen for a few years. Good luck to you, and also be prepared (as much as you can) to fall in love with this precious child and then have to turn it over to the “parent” who is not gonna be able to care for it as well as you are. It’s brutal.
My sister’s youngest was born with several heart conditions, missing important veins, hole in heart, etc… he was in a special hospital for 4 months, is on several medications every day, special formulas, and has had and will continue to have multiple surgeries, he also has a feeding tube, he is a very happy baby though, I can’t imagine anyone being as happy as he is after all he’s been through already. But tell the mom to get off the drugs because alot worse can happen besides just being born addicted.
DULCE ALAVEZ is still missing since 9.16.19
1 Like
Someone told me they too took on meth babies. The babies cried alot. At night they would just put them in their car seats and drive around till they got settled. It was not easy. Alot of patience is needed for these innocent babies.
I heard they cry A LOT
Since people are different and experience things like addiction and withdrawals differently, it’s impossible to say with 100% accuracy what the child will go through/feel mentally. Physically, it will most likely be real bad. The hospital will keep them through the worst of it. Statistically, heroin is the 4th hardest addiction to break (nicotine is number 1 and baby probably has addiction to that as well). The hospital will keep baby for the roughest part of the sobering process. However, you can expect residual irritability, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, restlessness, and failure to thrive. The mother’s brain chemistry has been altered and it can’t make enough dopamine to make her “well” any other way than by using substances. So, the baby’s brain will have developed during this altered state making this her normal state at the time of birth. Therefore, it already requires a higher amount than one whose brain was allowed to develop naturally. Therein lies the problem of determining how much each child is affected and how long and to what extent their withdraw will continue. Please be patient and don’t get frustrated with yourself. The baby’s brain will literally think it’s dying without the substance/s and will do what it believes is necessary to acquire more. This impulse will get weaker with time but will probably never go away completely, EVER. That’s where the concept of having to be vigilant even after being sober for multiple years originates. While with you, the baby will have to learn how to get comfortable, enjoy normal things about life, and general coping mechanisms. This is why the majority of children born addicted to any substance begin life already “behind” children that have developed naturally. You can just likely expect lagging development in the beginning (some will have learning disabilities their entire lives and physical handicaps) and can have trouble bonding emotionally. The good news is that it is possible for the child to overcome any and all of this (except the addiction disorder - if the “allergy” is present it will ALWAYS be there). For her to have an acceptable quality of life in the future, you need to just love her through all of it. Really, truly, deeply, and UNCONDITIONALLY love her and care for her. She needs to feel that love and all the emotional issues will clear out. Good luck!! Hope this helps in any way.
3 Likes
Ngawhira M Tamihana? What’s ya advice boo
1 Like
I understand cause my daughter done the same thing you have a hard road to deal with but you truly to be ready fo
the baby has even more different things that they have to deal they have the hardest to go go throuf have to go through just understand what they are having to
I don’t have any advice but I wanted to say thank you & you and your husband are beautiful people still good people in this world
4 Likes
I know someone that took in a drug addicted baby. He was in the NICU for awhile to deal with his withdrawals. Lots of shaking and scream crying. Baby came home and cried a lot, hardly sleep, was inconsolable a lot. When he got older (toddler stage) he was diagnosed with Autism. His new mom struggled a lot. He’s now 10 I believe though and very happy.
I am a neonatal nurse practitioner with a focus in neonatal abstinence. This is when a newborn withdraws from a substance that they were exposed to in the uterus. I encourage you to research neonatal abstinence syndrome and neonatal withdrawal. It is different for every baby and every substance but you can find good general information about what to expect.
5 Likes
The hospital will detox her but she could have any amount of problems. She could be ok too. Just be ready and if you can stay home that would be good.
2 Likes
How about lets not throw Moms under the bus for making horrible choices and be thankful she’s willing to get help and choose a family she thought she could trust to love her child when she isn’t able to?
As someone who tries to support mom’s who have made A bad choice but are trying to mend their ways- its not for the weak and/or petty. Maybe you should re think if your strong enough for the task
3 Likes
The hospital will NOT send the baby home in withdrawal so expect some NICU time.
1 Like
Every baby is different after they get home but things will normally get better with time.
The baby will probably be in the NICU for a bit to detox, I know someone who was an addict to herion and did it throughout her entire pregnancy, the baby was born screaming non stop and her fists were so tight she broke her skin and she shook uncontrollably for about a week, she was put on a morphine drip for the withdraw, along with many more meds to help her detox… it was horrible to see… as far as I know now the little girl is healthy and growing well, she is about 5 now… it’ll be very hard on you to see, but try to be there as much as possible for her, in and out of the hospital, good luck!
7 Likes
We got a foster daughter right from hospital at 11days old She cried every time hubby would talk. We made sure she was feed dry and a lot of cuddles. She held her hands so tight in a fist she would make her palms bleed. She was six months old before she held her head up was adopted shortly after that
3 Likes
I hear a lot of skin to skin helps
2 Likes
My youngest daughter is my biological niece, my sister did the same things during her pregnancy. Be patient, understanding and loving. The road is hard and full of heartache but it is the best thing that had ever happened to me. Make all the doctor’s appointments, do the follow up and spend the extra time helping the child develop on the best track you can. Know that the child will forever have a compromised immune system and roll with the punches. Good luck and enjoy every second. Also… invest in Redbull and coffee… you will need it. 
3 Likes
Smh. This is sad. If they cant quit for 9 months for the sake of that baby, they dont ever deserve that baby. Hope u adopt the baby. Im sure they wuthdraw just like adults, cry, shake, its awful.
It should be automatic jail sentence for doing drugs while pregnant. So disgusting. Goodluck to you, and baby
5 Likes
Sleep will evade you… Depending on levels they will have a stay in the hospital.
Home tips…
Feeding may be an issue and will require some experiment. Often they have reflux so feeding in a more upright position will be ideal with little and often to help keep it down.
Hot water bottle ( hot beany bag) in a cloth on belly can be soothing. I found one liked to lie over the hottie on a pillow.
“Baby wearing” /sling/wrap for closeness can be comforting. As can swaddling.
Lots of it will be experiment to find what makes you both comfy. Be kind to yourself and don’t feel guilty at tweeking routines to suit your needs. Build a network to give yourself a break. Freeze prepared meals to take strain off yourself when pushed for time.
5 Likes
Good luck I would give cbd oil (I mean full plant concentrate oil!!!) to Combat the side effects of withdrawal… good luck!!! God bless
1 Like
Please see if she can be hospitalized for the duration of the pregnancy. A judge can easily make it happen so that baby will not be born withdrawing…
7 Likes
Look out all hell is going to break lose at your house
Kind of sad how a post asking for advice on how to help the baby gets responses of judgement & condemnation for the mother. Then to make snide remarks to other women who say that judging the mother is not necessary & assuming that that woman must be a drug addict herself for speaking out on your unsolicited judgements against someone whom you know NOTHING about other than she’s pregnant & an addict. The post asked for ADVICE ON CARING FOR THE CHILD not your personal view point on the mother of the child!! 
& shunning & degrading someone who is an addict doesn’t help in any way. If anything it causes less women to seek treatment that could help her & her baby in the long run but most won’t even ask for help bc of this exact response. Women are so quick to tear each other down & that’s something that needs to change. Most addicts start out with low self esteem & self worth. They begin using bc they don’t feel worthy of anything good. & by treating them this way you’re only affirming their beliefs that they are bad people who don’t deserve a good life. Addicts don’t magically stop being addicts bc they get pregnant. & yeah maybe they shouldn’t be having unprotected sex if they’re not in a position to care for a child but mistakes happen, no one is perfect! Not even those who have never done drugs in their entire life! I’m not justifying drug use while being pregnant in any way, shape or form but that kind of negativity isn’t helping anything.
IF YOU CAN’T HELP SOMEONE AT LEAST DON’T HURT THEM 
To the woman who made the post :
Bless you for stepping up & offering your assistance to the baby. I hope everything works out for you guys! Sending good vibes! 
19 Likes
More than likely the baby will go to NICU for withdrawals. Then when the withdrawals are under control they can send the baby home with you. Just my experience as a nicu nurse.
5 Likes
Stop fertilizing start swallowing
Be aware many issues will not present fully until the child is older and in school. My daughter is displaying many mental health issues and educational delays now that she is school age from her exposure in the womb. I adopted 3 siblings, one born while mom was still in foster care herself, and the youngest born after CPS was involved because I have 2 other kids who are pretty typical I have to assume my middle child’s issues are related to the drug exposure that I’m aware of.
I am a baby born on multiple drugs and my Mom(adopted) said it was tough in the beginning because of withdrawal but I am ok now and she said best decision she made because in the end it was worth it. I spent 5 weeks in the hospital and had issues with being touched until I was almost 6 yrs old because it hurt
7 Likes
It takes strength, courage and conviction. A lot of sleepless days and nights. Keep the pediatrician in your near sights. Usually the baby will have to be weened off. It’s rough.
1 Like
We use the mamaroos at the NICU to constantly cuddle/bounce them. Poor baby didnt a
Deserve that but hopefully u can give her a new start with extra extra love.
2 Likes
One of my good friends is fostering a heroine baby. They have her lots of advice at the hospital, her case worker, and a couple programs here and there. The babe is going to need lots of love and affection, he/she will likely cry a lot more than usual (one of the withdrawal side effects) and you aren’t to use the cry it out method because it could damage their brain even more, a lot of the milestones will be late so try to give them the best support for learning and don’t cut corners when it comes to things you are to do for them, ie. tummy time. There are tons of resources out there hopefully this helps!
3 Likes
Go to the hospital and volunteer to cuddle drug babies a lot of hospital have this program then see how you feel
3 Likes
Its going to need to be in the care of a dr 1st. Stay in the nicu till they wean the baby off. Idk why your fostering, either adopt or let someone else. Dont give that baby back to that pos baby maker. She should be arrested for what shes done. Hopefully the baby isnt too bad
Theres a chance your in for a hell of a ride some drug babies come early which causes even more problems… the kid might not come home till they are well after 1 year old and have all sorts of medical issues … the kid might not even make it if it’s bad enough… if it does make it prepare yourself for alot of heartbreak… if u can get the mon to stop or be put in jail I would as soon as u can those are pretty hard drugs to give a baby
I’ve heard different stories, all I can say is good luck, and God be with you and that sweet baby. It may be differcult in the beginning but worth it at the end.
1 Like
God bless you and keep you strong. You are special people doing a special job.
1 Like
How about a bullet? Because that’s all that stupid bitch deserves. Your in for on helluva a hard damn time with the baby. I hope you have her locked up, getting her sober. February is still 2.5 months away.
I’m currently raising one of my grandsons and his mom, my oldest daughter, was doing pills when she was pregnant. My little guy has had a lot of issues because of it. With that said I would not change anything about him. It’s hard at times but very worth it.
I’ve worked with drug addicted babies in hospitals for many years… don’t be surprised if the baby is very fussy… they are detoxing… frightened & in pain… they flail their arms more than most babies when picked up… love to be held & comforted… patience & loves…
1 Like
I commend you for taking this child in. You have a big heart and you are making such a difference for this baby. Wish for a speedy recovery for this baby and a happy life for the both of you.
You probably are in for a surprise I believe they will take the baby as soon as it was born you will have to prove your self to be able to have the baby it might be the sistom will be visiting you it’ll take awhile
With the courage of adopting and worry already about this child, your gonna be an amazing mom… no baby is eva just a easy story, colic,twins they all come with thier own overwhelming life experience… I wud suggest sleep as much from now bcoz u neva get to enjoy sleep after a baby and trust your instinct on what you feel is best for the child… ive seen kids whos mom was on drugs but they perfectly fine… if u could get your cousin to take extra vitamins like mom omega…etc that would help too givin u a healthy baby…
1 Like
Methadone? Or methamphetamine? My 5yo adopted son’s birth mother used methamphetamine while pregnant with him. She was smart and never tested positive at appointments. She missed a ton of appointments (she was dirty). however I know without a doubt that she did. He was a great baby. He slept too much actually. However now that we are at 5yo the past few years have been full of behavior problems and destructive behavior. It’s hard. ADHD doesn’t even begin to describe what we go through daily. I’ve had him since the day he came home from the hospital. He didn’t test positive (guess she stopped right before his birth) so getting the doctors and professionals to help had been a journey in itself. The heroin in this situation is the biggest problem not saying the meth isn’t but its not as dangerous to detox from for the infant. He or she will most likely have to stay in the NICU for the detox but the lingering issues from being born addicted are going to be hard on you as well as baby. You’re in for a longggg hard journey. Remember to take this 1 day at a time because once baby gets here nothing will be predictable. Hopefully you get best case scenario but prepare for the worst. Do have a support system in place. You will need help. You will need a couple hours for you and hubby. Trust me dont be afraid to ask for help. Your mental health is going to be extremely important throughout this! I commend you for stepping up and doing what you didn’t have to do. Hugs and dont be shy to ask for advice and or help! Good luck and many many hugs.