I have often referred to DU as my home - well I need some help

[jwirr]

from my family tonight. My grandson has just become a father for the second time and the mother of his children in seriously addicted to pain killers and probably meth also. Tonight the poor little tyke is in the hospital and they believe he is addicted to whatever drugs his mother was using. He weighed 6.8 and seemed healthy. He is about a week old.

Please teach me what to expect and what the outcome is, etc. I raised a daughter who is severely disabled with epilepsy and retardation and digestive problems but I know nothing about babies who are addicted to their mother's drugs. His mother and I have told them that we will help in anyway we can but at the moment it is up to the doctors.

[Deja Q]

1. Oh nuts.

:( :(

I wish I could offer advice; all I can do is give e-vibes to you and your family.

:hug:

:grouphug:

[jwirr]

6. Thank you. We can use all the help we can get at the moment. One

good thing I think these two parents may just be waking up to what they have been doing. That at least will be a positive.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

2. Other than the mother's substance problem, sounds like the kid will be just fine.

http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle-old/397/methandmyth.shtml

[inna]

38. thanks for the link, it was very informative.

is there such a thing as a "meth epidemic" btw?? or is it also a "myth"?

anybody know of any stats on that?

[liberalmuse]

3. I knew a girl...

who was born addicted to heroin. She turned out just fine. I'm hoping the same for your great grandchild. Poor dear. :(

[wryter2000]

4. I can't help

But, I can send some DU love. :hug:

[Mike 03]

5. The baby should be fine, but it's important to get the mother into treatment.

My sister was in the same boat, exactly. She was addicted to painkillers while trying to be a mother, and that is not a good situation for the child or anyone involved.

Good luck with your situation. My heart goes out to you. Addiction has destroyed so many people who were so dear to me.

[Dappleganger]

7. Was she using the entire time she was pregnant?

The length of time and strength of the drugs will make a difference with his prognosis. I've worked with children before who were born addicted and it's hard to say all of the physical effects because much of their delays are also based on their environment after they're born. However, some kids really do turn out ok--the important thing is to make sure the baby is in a safe place away from the addicted parent, and given proactive medical care based on the history. There's a good chance the courts and child protective services will need to become involved--if you are intent on being the parent then NOW is the time to pursue it legally. Don't take anybody's word for *anything*--get it done legally in writing.

:hug:

[Dappleganger]

9. Also wanted to add...

my sister-in-law adopted three babies whose mothers were addicts and they are all turning out fine. Better than that, two of them are in gifted classes and one is just extraordinary (of course being the aunt, I'm a little biased!). Two children had horrible family situations too, but they are doing GREAT.

[roguevalley]

36. I taught drug babies. Its a case by case, honey. Most of them

turned out ok and a few were difficult in behavior and a couple dreamy. I wish you only the best. I truly do.

[mzteris]

8. hate to rain on people's parade here. . .

. . . The affects of crystal meth can be devastating to both baby development and to later development.

Research conducted in 2005 by University of Toronto researchers notes that if a pregnant woman takes just one dose of meth, it can have dire consequences for her baby. So it’s not just women addicted that are an issue, but experimenters of drug use as well. The study points out that long-term neurodevelopmental issues can develop in a baby due to that single hit. That is a scary statistic.

What are the effects of crystal meth during pregnancy on the baby exactly? Well, it not only causes the long-term neurodevelopmental problems, but also reduced motor coordination in the long-term. Research says that a developing baby is much more vulnerable to DNA damage because fetuses have not yet developed the enzymes that will eventually help to protect the baby from free radicals.

Free radicals are destructive molecules that have been shown to cause cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Everyone comes into contact with free radicals as children and adults, but by then we’ve developed some protection against them. Meth exposes a fetus to these very harmful molecules, but the baby has no protective devices and thus can be terribly harmed by them. Furthermore, fetuses are vulnerable from conception to the last trimester.

This study and numerous others points out that crystal meth use during pregnancy needs to be researched much more to determine the precise effect it will have on a fetus, but also that most research to date shows that meth can cause problems for a baby including:

* Low birth weight.
* Cleft palates.
* Premature birth.
* Mental and physical disabilities.
* Increased chances of miscarriage.
* Later issues can occur for male babies. A recent study reports that males fetuses exposed to crystal meth who later take meth themselves develop brain disorders much quicker than if their mother had never taken the drug.

The best thing for a pregnant woman is to quit using crystal meth (or never start). If someone has a problem and needs help quitting, their doctor, clinic, or even a hospital is a good place to start. Health care providers love to see healthy mothers and babies, so resources for help abound at these places. Another good resource is Crystal Meth Anonymous.

**********

What other "Pain pills" was she taking? And if the mom tested positive for meth in the hospital, chances are good that Child Protective Services will step in.

The MOST important thing for the child is to GET OUT OF THAT ENVIRONMENT - to help mitigate the damages already done. Growing up in a meth house is the worst thing possible for a kid. Tell your son to take the kids and go. If the woman checks into a program and successfully completes treatment, then she can have supervised visitation, after a year - maybe two - COMPLETELY CLEAN, then MAYBE he'll consider letting her have more visitation - or even taking her back if he really loves her. If she loves him and her children - she'll do it.

[Old Codger]

10. read up

Not trying to scare anyone or anything BUT. Read up all you can find in fetal alcohol/drug syndrome... it can have some serious long term effects on the child...sometimes no problem sometimes lots of problems. It is important that you understand the problems that can accompany this....

[boobooday]

11. Best of luck to you

I have been dealing with a similar situation for a long time.

:hug:

[Midlodemocrat]

12. Okay. First thing you need to do.

1. Contact the hospital social worker, if that hasn't been done to see about treatment options.

2. Get a pediatric neurologist in there ASAP to assess brain function. If it's pain killers? Probably not a big deal especially if they are Rx, but meth could be a completely different issue.

You cannot gauge from the birth what the outcome will be. Even if the baby's Apgar scores were over the top or completely underwhelming, it doesn't often mean anything.

Get professionals involved. They can help with early intervention if the baby needs assistance.

Good luck. You will need it.

:hug:

And, congrats on the baby.

[Warpy]

13. Relax, the long term consequenses of being born addicted

have been vastly overstated by the conservative press. The truth is that most of what they saw in "drug babies" back in the 80s and 90s could be traced to severe poverty, not maternal drug use while they were in utero.

What you'll be seeing as the baby grows up will be personality, not drugs.

The baby will have a miserable few days after birth detoxing, though. Anyone who has ever seen a newborn in detox will always remember it. If you haven't seen obvious signs of detox, perhaps his mother's drug problem isn't as bad as you think it is.

However, if it is, there might be a medical hold on the baby. Infants born addicted to drugs are automatically referred to CPS and your son might not be able to take the baby home unless the mother is willing to clean up.

[quiller4]

22. You are absolutely right.

"If you haven't seen obvious signs of detox, perhaps his mother's drug problem isn't as bad as you think it is."

The above is true for opiates but signs are less obvious for meth. Still, the long-term progronosis is good after detox. Studies of children born to women who entered drug treatment while pregnant support this more optimistic view.

[robinlynne]

25. I tend to agree with you. Physically the baby will probably be fine. but it is not ok to have an

addicted mother. An addict can not care for a baby. So getting her to get treatment sounds like the big key here. Drug addicts just cannot take good care of children. In serious treatment, they are never allowed ot keep their children until treatment is well over a year. And we do have a meth addicted woman in our family. The child has been removed and is being adopted by his uncle, after being raised by my mother for 6 years. the problems were really all psychological, not physical but that doesn't make them easy for a child by any means. To be honest, his mother, my stepsister, died 3 weeks ago. It is probably the best thing that could have happened to my step-nephew, even though he is feeling so much pain right now. Meth addiction amy start looking manageable, but over time she became psychotic, no longer knew where reality began or ended. It is a really strong drug. The effects cannot always be countered or fixed. I would worry about the Mother if you are worried about the baby, and lots of love and a good family structure is everything. My stepsister never even made food for her child; he fed himself every morning, until he went to live with my mother. It has taken 7 years, but he is finally coming out the toher side, is getting as in school, learning how to love and have empathy, and starting to feel safe. (12 years old.)

[Tab]

14. Long term, hopefully okay. Short term...

the child will probably go through withdrawal symptoms. It won't be fun, although on the "bright" side, he won't remember it.

It doesn't even have to be illegal drugs. I mean, we all know about crack babies, but even mothers who are on antidepressants (like Effexor) during pregnancy have their babies go through Effexor withdrawal (which can be nasty in its own right, if it's not phased out).

I hope there's no long term effects, but I'm not familiar with this particular situation. You must feel helpless, as all you can really do is watch, put your trust in others, and hope for the best. You are doing the right thing reaching out and talking, whether posting here or to whomever you can confide in. Our best wishes to you.

[AzDar]

15. I don't have any pertinent info, but I sure do wish

You and your family the best. --Darlene

[Name removed]

16. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Lex]

17. Oh please. That's irrelevant to the question asked.

The OP is asking about information regarding the new baby's health and prognosis.

[Name removed]

31. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Lex]

32. "you wanna let her off scott free" -- wrong, genius, I didn't say that.

Stop making stuff up.

[Name removed]

33. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Lex]

34. Settle down.

I haven't argued any point with you. So far you've only managed to burn down a fabulous strawman.

[jwirr]

37. The little guy is out of the hospital and child protection services are

involved but I do not know how much - the county services tend to turn cases like this over to the tribe and then it is all political and they do very little. They are bringing the baby and his sister out to see us today and the mother is coming along. Hopefully we can get her into treatment but I doubt it - the last I knew she does not even think there is a problem. We will see what she thinks now.

I want to thank all of you for the help and very good advice. There is no home like DU.

[jwirr]

18. I think you may be correct but since no one cares what happens on

a reservation..... It is well known that drugs are used out here but it is also ignored by the local law enforcement people. A probation officer once told me, "We put a net over the area so we can keep the crime out there instead of in town."

Many have asked me what she was using - as far as I know it was a combination of lori-tabs, oxy and meth. Probably used the whole time. I did not know she was pregnant again until two weeks before the birth.

I ask these questions because they will come to me due to the fact that I have already raised one very ill child. They will think I know what to do - as you can see I do not.

[DearAbby]

19. Jwirr

:hug:

[quiller4]

20. You may have nothing to worry about.

If the baby is going through withdrawal, then the hospital is the best place for him. The neonatal nurses know what to look for. Weighing as much as he did, it is not likely that he was severely meth affected as low birth weight is almost always a feature of this condition.

Once he is home there are some things to watch for. He could be over-sensitive to stimuli. In that case you do what you can to quiet his environment--no loud noises, dim lights. He may be sensitive to touch. Keep touch light with no sudden movements. Massage lightly to calm before picking him up.

I have friends who do emergency foster care for babies born to addicted mothers. Most have had some respiratory problems and at least two had to have twice daily nebulizer treatments. All seemed to need to be held, rocked and just generally nurtured a bit more than a "normal" infant.

You might call a counselor at a drug treatment program to suggest some reading materials and maybe identify a family support group.

[KoKo]

21. Can't answer except to send you "GOOD VIBES" and hope your "wisdom" will carry you through...

It's very hard what you are going through...Others might have better insight...but just wanted you to know that thoughts are with you...:grouphug:

[Lisa0825]

23. I'm so sorry. All I have is this....

:hug:

[Stinky The Clown]

24. I have nothing much ..... except for this ........

:hug:

Your love is clearly going to make a difference.

[robinlynne]

26. all the difference!

[usregimechange]

27. She needs comprehensive treatment residential for 30 days minimum followed by 6 months minimum...

outpatient services. Grandson needs to stand firm and not let her back until such time as there is evidence that she has changed. Got to protect the kiddos. I work in this field professionally. PM me if you would like.

[jsamuel]

I suggest asking a doctor/nurse/teacher/counselor who actually is qualified to answer your question.

There are side effects on children. I am not qualified to tell you what they are, but it would be good for you to speak with someone who is. Now, I can tell you that from what I know, they generally don't worry about it until the child is actually displaying the behavior that can be diagnosed. However, it may not hurt to find out what to look for.

[myrna minx]

28. Oh, jwirr, I wish I knew what to say.

All I can do is give my care and support. :hug: My best wishes to you and your family.

[hunter]

29. Heavy alcohol use is the worst. Smoking is bad.

Anything that may have come along for the ride with IV drug use or sex trade is bad too. Then any physical damage before birth caused by drug abuse, including alcohol and smoking. Carbon monoxide from smoking is not good, nor is pre-term labor and such. After that drug addicted babies do surprisingly well -- it's the homes they grow up in that tend to be bad, not to mention the genetic tendencies that led to their parents being addicts.

Love and support -- it's the very best you can do for any kid.

[SeattleGirl]

30. A cousin of my husband's had adopted 4 babies who were born

addicted. They've all had some problems, but overall, with care and nurturing and love, they are absolutely thriving. And these were crack babies.

I think the little one has a good chance, as long as someone besides the mom (or in addition to the mom) is caring for him.

[dgibby]

35. Contact the March of Dimes.

They are a very good resource and can be very helpful, both in knowledge and programs available should the baby need treatment. Good luck.