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Original poster

drug dependant baby, advice needed

734 replies

EarthMotherImNot · 03/03/2010 15:20

I've been asked to foster a baby expected to be suffering drug withdrawal when it is born next week.

It is years since I've cared for one of these and any advice would be most gratefully received.

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Original poster
EarthMotherImNot · 17/03/2010 16:09

That may well be it Valpoll, as long as it works I'm happy to do it. Strangely I've tried demonstrating this to DH but she doesn't calm as easily for him.

Thank you Yogi, did your workplace advocate swaddling by the way?

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YoginiBikini · 17/03/2010 15:58

You sound like you're doing so well. I worked in SCBU/NICU and always had a special love for addicted/withdrawing babies. They are very special. You are also very special to be looking after her so well. I admire you and your love -and patience!

Valpollicella · 17/03/2010 15:56

She can probably hear your heartbeat quite well in that position which may be soothing her

Original poster
EarthMotherImNot · 17/03/2010 15:52

She is swaddled CMOT, but what seems to help more than anything is being held really close with her head under my chin, if that makes sense, seems to calm her, albeit briefly.

I am finding myself quietly making ssh ssh noises at the same time, no idea if that helps but there you go

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CMOTdibbler · 17/03/2010 15:21

Oh bless. Does swaddling her quite firmly help ? I understand that the babies can be quite jittery, so that might help

Original poster
EarthMotherImNot · 17/03/2010 15:04

Hi all, baby has been extremely unsettled, longest sleep until this morning was 15 minutes.
In the early hours she finally slept for just over an hour, I can't tell you what a blessed relief we had for a short while.

The midwife was concerned enough to contact SCBU who arranged for her consultant to ring me.

He feels if I'm ok to continue he'd rather not up her dose as she is feeding well, if slowly, and taking her meds ok.

I've got his number and that of SCBU in case she gets any worse. apparently she was becoming quite settled in hospital so it may just be the change of scene.

I feel so sorry for her, she must be knackered poor mite.

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Shaz10 · 16/03/2010 08:31

This thread is making me cry and smile at the same time. Those poor babies that need your help and you wonderful, wonderful people that look after them. I'd love to give you all big hugs.

D0G · 16/03/2010 08:27

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Original poster
EarthMotherImNot · 16/03/2010 08:10

Will do DOG but what is this thing called "sleep" please, never heard of it

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D0G · 16/03/2010 07:55

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Original poster
EarthMotherImNot · 16/03/2010 07:48

No idea, I know they very gradually reduce the dose until she's weaned off it.

Again I'm unsure of lasting effects, I will ask that when we see her consultant.

She is the smallest baby we've cared for so far. She has a beautiful name chosen by her mum but obviously I can't say what it is I'm afraid.

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D0G · 16/03/2010 07:05

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harimosmummy · 16/03/2010 06:52

Oh, how desperatly sad.... I simply cannot imagine being without my babies. My two were both 6lbs 8oz and that seemed so tiny.

I hope that she can beat her addiction and perhaps have a chance to have a relationship with her baby.

Original poster
EarthMotherImNot · 16/03/2010 06:42

From what sw's said baby's mum is not doing too well, she is trying desperately to cope with her addiction as well as having to let her lo go.

I cannot begin to imagine how she must feel

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harimosmummy · 16/03/2010 06:26

EMIN - Gosh, what a hard job. Good luck with the little one.

Do you know how the mother is coping? I hope she is also getting help and support.

Sad situation. Just lovely to know the little one has you.

Original poster
EarthMotherImNot · 16/03/2010 06:21

Thank you

I am wearing her, she is tucked inside my dressing gown as we speak
She is due her medicine around 7am and is beginning to show signs that she needs it.

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chimchar · 16/03/2010 06:15

wow...how fab you are!

good luck with your new baby on your first full day together. do you know how long you'll have her for?

can you try "wearing" her in a wrap or a sling to help with the sleeping and jumpiness?

MissWooWoo · 16/03/2010 06:06

good luck and well done you

Original poster
EarthMotherImNot · 16/03/2010 05:11

Brief update:

Baby got here yesterday afternoon. She is tiny!

I obviously knew she was small but opening the door to the sw's and seeing her for the first time made me gasp.

She is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful.

She is a very slow feeder and it is very obvious when she needs her medication. I had forgotten how piercing a drug dependent baby's cries are. She is quite jumpy and doesn't sleep for longer than 10 minutes at a time, hence the silly-o-clock posting.

Wish me luck

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Alouiseg · 11/03/2010 17:02

One of the side effects of oramorph is constipation. Just in case they forget to tell you.

Wishing you all the luck in the world x

Original poster
EarthMotherImNot · 11/03/2010 16:54

Thanks CMOT, poor little boy

I've had a chat to my hv and she seems to think baby will be off tube feeding and Oramorph before she is discharged but I guess its just wait and see really.

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CMOTdibbler · 11/03/2010 16:41

I don't know - sorry. The little I know was from chatting to the foster carer of a little boy who was born to an addicted mother, and when I met him, had a brain tumour aged 18 months. I remember him so well as it was such a sad story, and his foster mum was so fabulous

Original poster
EarthMotherImNot · 11/03/2010 15:21

Would you have any idea how long she'll need to take that for CMOT?

2.22 is under 5lbs I think.

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CMOTdibbler · 11/03/2010 15:17

Oh bless - teeny tiny for term. The oramorph will be to let her be weaned off opiates, rather than going cold turkey

Original poster
EarthMotherImNot · 11/03/2010 15:14

Baby may be discharged early next week.

I've spoken to the sw and baby is on Oramorph?

and is being tube fed at present. She weighs 2.22 kilo's, god thats tiny isn't it

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