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." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake