New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof says drug executives should be held accountable for the growing number of infants born addicted to opioids.
Tag: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Using Naltrexone During Pregnancy Can Benefit Infants, Moms
A new study found that naltrexone was more effective than buprenorphine at preventing overdose during pregnancy.
Pregnant and Scared to Get Treatment: When Conception Meets Addiction
If one needs proof that addiction is a disease and not a moral failing, look into the eyes of a woman who knows her behavior is harming her baby but still can’t stop.
New Bill Targets Pregnant Women With Addiction
“This bill’s intent is to protect babies, period,” said the Tennessee bill’s original sponsor.
The Problem with "Addicted Babies"
The “addicted baby” issue is not simply linguistic. You’re not just contributing to stigma when you use this term, you’re misrepresenting medical facts. “She was born addicted, but without methadone, she may never have been born at all.” That was the last sentence of my first published article with a major media outlet, Vox. The… Continue reading The Problem with "Addicted Babies"
Lawsuits Aim To Benefit Kids Born Dependent On Opioids
One West Virginia law firm is reviewing up to 200 cases of children born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Last year, dozens of lawsuits were filed against pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors for the role they play in the opioid crisis. Many were filed by states and cities in an attempt to recoup the costs they’ve… Continue reading Lawsuits Aim To Benefit Kids Born Dependent On Opioids
Promising New Treatments for Opioid-Dependent Babies
Compassionate care for the mothers was crucial to positive outcomes for opioid-dependent babies. I gave birth to my daughter in late January of 2014. It was the kind of birth you see in the movies—the contractions started hard and grew closer together within moments. By the time I realized I was in labor, I was… Continue reading Promising New Treatments for Opioid-Dependent Babies
FDA Tries To Blame Kratom In Newborn Withdrawal Case
The agency claims it is aware of four other NAS cases involving infants exposed to kratom in utero. A new case report published in the journal Pediatrics suggests that kratom was the cause of a newborn’s withdrawal symptoms. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other naysayers of the herbal supplement say this is a… Continue reading FDA Tries To Blame Kratom In Newborn Withdrawal Case
Births Affected By Opioids Continue To Rise Among Rural Women
“More than 60% of rural moms with opioid use disorder give birth locally. These rural hospitals may have more limited capacity to care for them and their babies.” The opioid epidemic has meant that more rural moms and babies are affected by drug abuse, often requiring specialized care at hospitals that are located far from… Continue reading Births Affected By Opioids Continue To Rise Among Rural Women
Should You Breastfeed Your Baby If You're on Methadone?
My daughter was born with neonatal abstinence syndrome but I was not allowed to nurse or have her in the room with me; the hospital staff said the methadone in my breast milk could be dangerous. They were wrong. Earlier this summer several news outlets reported on the death of an 11-week-old infant in Philadelphia… Continue reading Should You Breastfeed Your Baby If You're on Methadone?