Pubdate: Tue, 18 Mar 2003 Source: Canadian Medical Association Journal (Canada) Copyright: 2003 Canadian Medical Association Contact: http://www.cmaj.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/754 Author: Heather Kent NEW BC FACILITY TARGETS BABIES OF SUBSTANCE-ABUSING WOMEN Physicians hope British Columbia babies born to women with substance-abuse problems will receive a better start to life because of a new unit at the BC Women's Hospital. Women can be admitted to the unit, which can accommodate 4 infants and their mothers, at any stage of their pregnancy if they have obstetrical problems or significant social issues. Housing is the major social problem for the women, many of whom come from Vancouver's Downtown East Side. Dr. Ron Abrahams, medical director of the Perinatal Addictions Program, expects 50 to 100 babies to pass through the unit annually. The program represents a major break from a policy of routinely placing babies in foster care immediately after birth. A 1993 study showed that 100% of women with substance-abuse problems had to give up their babies after birth, says Abrahams, and that total has since dropped to about 30%. Abrahams attributes this to improved prenatal care, better integration of social services and changing attitudes toward these mothers. In the new unit, they will come closer to caring for their newborns in ways other women take for granted. By rooming with their babies in a low-stimulus, close-contact environment, doctors think the chance the newborns will need methadone or related withdrawal treatment to reduce irritability will be greatly reduced. In the past, these babies underwent withdrawal treatment for up to 6 weeks. In a recent pilot project, says Abrahams, 5 babies were given morphine for only 3 to 6 days. Keeping the babies and mothers together is also expected to reduce the need for foster care. Abrahams says these mothers "have always wanted to do well, but have never been given the opportunity. Now there's an incentive for them." Before the leaving the hospital, they receive an infant-care course taught by specially trained nurses. The program will also involve alcohol and drug counsellors, social workers and nutritionists. Funding was arranged by reorganizing existing resources. The babies born at the unit will be tracked, although Abrahams admits this will be a "huge challenge," partly because many mothers move away from Vancouver to find affordable housing. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens