Born Into Addiction UMADAOP looks to protect infants and expecting mothers from opioid abuse Between the years 2004 and 2013, the number of babies in Ohio who were born addicted to opioids has increased nine times, according to the Ohio Department of Mental Health. Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) occurs when infants are born to mothers who were taking opioids or other drugs. A variety of symptoms can be associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome, including low birth weight, breathing problems, tremors, excessive or high pitched crying, vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating, according to the Ohio Department of Mental Health.
In addition to the symptoms stemming from withdrawal, babies who suer neonatal abstinence syndrome are also more likely to suer birth defects, premature birth, seizures or a lack of fetal growth while in the womb, according to Stanford Children’s health. Babies suering from severe symptoms may be prescribed medication. Babies might also require a higher calorie formula to compensate for additional activity, according to Stanford Children’s Health. Women identi ed as positive for drug abuse or dependence should also be screened for Hepatitis C and HIV due to a high rate of comorbidity, according to the Ohio Department of Health. “Prevention is everything, it’s the key to success.” - Sharon Gallagher LPN, Mans eld UMADAOP
“Not only are we wanting you to become healthy, but we want your baby to be as healthy as possible too.” - Sharon Gallagher
Prevention is key Sta at the Mans eld UMADAOP make sure to oer screenings to every pregnant woman who comes through their door, saying they also put an emphasis on holistic prenatal care. But they say there’s only so much you can do once a baby is born, or if a woman is unable to abstain from substance use while pregnant.ey say the real focus is on prevention and education. “e prevention is everything, it’s the key to success,” says Sharon Gallagher, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) at the Mans eld UMADAOP. “Not only are we wanting you to become healthy, but we want your baby to be as healthy as possible too.” Neonatal abstinence syndrome is entirely preventable. Mothers who learn they have become pregnant should stop using drugs and alcohol immediately, according to Stanford Children’s Health.
Making a change For pregnant women and new mothers struggling with substance use, discussing possible birth defects and complications can be an extremely dicult conversation to have. And while it may be unpleasant, Gallagher encourages women to use those emotions as a motivating force in their recovery. “To me, it’s good when I see emotion,” Gallagher says. “I know that you’re caring, maybe it’s hitting home, maybe all this information is making a dierence in changing your behavior and drug use.” Mans eld UMADAOP sta oer their full support to new and expecting mothers, opening lines of communication between medical and treatment sta to make sure all of a client’s needs are being met.ey will also make referrals to outside organizations when they don’t oer a particular service in house. While opioid abuse continues to negatively impact the lives of people across the country, UMADAOP sta know it’s the smallest citizens who may be the most vulnerable. As they continue to address the root causes of opioid abuse in all clients, they will pay particular attention to new and expecting mothers, and will continue to push for increased education and prevention measures. “Education and knowledge is power,” Gallagher says. “Hopefully they have more of that, then they’ll be able to make better decisions.”
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