Pubdate: Mon, 5 May 2008
Source: Daily Mail (UK)
Copyright: 2008 Associated Newspapers Ltd
Contact:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/108

BABIES BORN TO DRUG ADDICT MOTHERS HAVE DOUBLED IN LAST FIVE YEARS

The number of babies born to drug addicted mothers has almost doubled 
in the last five years, it has been revealed.

Last year there were 1,970 women who were addicted to drugs at the 
time of the birth, compared to 1,057 back in 2003.

Of those 1,970 women with a drug dependency, 1,211 babies were born 
with their mother's addiction as the habit was passed on whilst the 
baby was still in the womb.

It means that every day five drug addict mums give birth to a baby 
and of those births three babies will suffer the withdrawal symptoms 
of their mother's addiction.

The symptoms associated with babies who are addicted to drugs are a 
loud, high-pitched crying, sweating and stomach upsets.

These babies often need specialised care in hospital before they are 
allowed home and on occasions are taken from their mothers and placed in care.

Last year there were 82 pregnant women addicted to alcohol, a rise 
from 62 the previous year, and only 22 back in 2003.

Pregnant women dependant on heroin or other opioids was up to a 
staggering 1,059, almost double that of the 535 in 2003.

Thirty-two women gave birth whist hooked on cocaine, 641 were 
addicted to tobacco and 100 pregnant women gave birth whilst 
dependant on cannabis.

Association of Radical Midwives spokesperson, Sarah Montague, said of 
the possible effects for a baby born to addiction: "It really depends 
on what kind of drugs the mother is addicted to.

"The difficulties of withdrawal from hard drugs may be exacerbated by 
pregnancy and many of the substitutes such as methadone carry their 
own problems for neonates.

"For instance, the half-life of methadone is longer than the 
half-life of heroin, so the baby may exhibit problems for longer. I'm 
not surprised the numbers are going up.

"The number of units offering continuity of care is decreasing, as 
well as fewer units having the resources to have specialist teams for 
drug-dependent mothers.

"It is difficult for mothers to admit to drug dependency if they 
never meet the same midwife twice.

"It is also difficult to institute meaningful support programmes for 
them without consistent support."

Harry Shapiro, spokesman for Drugscope, the UK's leading drug 
information charity, said: "Obviously, it is of great concern that 
any child should be born suffering from neonatal withdrawal symptoms.

"Fortunately, with the right hospital care, most babies will recover 
without suffering long term damage.

"For this to happen, it's vital that women receive appropriate care 
and support from antenatal staff.

"If female drug users experience discrimination from healthcare 
professionals, they will be less likely to come forward for proper 
care, putting both mother and baby at risk."

Mervi Jokinen, the Royal College of Midwives Practice & Standards 
Development Advisor, said: "Of course, we are concerned by these statistics.

"Through anecdotal information from midwives, the RCM has been aware 
of the increasing need for midwives to target the vulnerable pregnant 
population, including women with a history of drug abuse.

"These women not only have complex health and social needs but their 
lifestyles can have adverse outcomes on their pregnancy and baby.

"The RCM supports midwives working with their obstetric colleagues 
and other agencies to ensure that an individual care plan is in place 
to optimize agreed outcomes, including discussions with the woman.

"But most importantly the midwife is not there to criticise the 
woman, who could be a recreational or even prescription drug user.

"The midwife is there to support the woman and and help them to 
improve their complex life and the long-term outcomes for her baby." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake