Related Posts: Adopting a Drug-Exposed Baby: Making the Decision
- Research, research, research. Talk to professionals – pediatricians, neonatologists or genetic counselors. They can help you feel comfortable with your decision.
- Enlist a professional who is familiar with substance abuse to help you determine the birth mother’s actual experience with drugs – which drugs she used, how much and at what point during the pregnancy.
- Find out as much as you can about the birth mother’s lifestyle choices.
- If you are in the midst of discussions with a birth mother who has already given birth, be sure to talk to the baby’s doctor.
- Have your own physician evaluate any lab reports and consider getting an ultrasound if the birthmother used cocaine.
- Remember that it’s often difficult to get a completely honest history from someone who uses drugs.
- Ask about the baby’s behavior. Is the infant irritable, fretful and agitated or calm and responsive? Does she react appropriately to caregivers?
- Remember that every situation is unique, with its own merits and drawbacks.
- Go into the adoption thinking that some problems might occur and be ready to deal with them when they do.
- If problems do arise, be aggressive in seeking professional assessments and help. Early intervention makes a difference.
- Know that there is no definitive answer to questions about whether drug-exposed babies grow up predisposed to use drugs themselves. Parent all children as if they might be attracted to drugs.
- Remember that environment does make a difference. A nurturing, stimulating, loving home can make a big difference in the life of a child who was exposed to drugs.
Related Post: Words of Wisdom in Open Adoption
Adoption Connection is hosting a Prenatal Drug and Alcohol Exposure Presentation on Tuesday, Jan. 29th, 2013, 7:00 – 9:30 pm in San Francisco. Join Adoption Connection for an informative evening with Robert Savio, MD, Chief of Pediatrics at Highland Hospital of Alameda County Medical Center. Savio is a prenatal drug and alcohol expert who will present on commonly used street and prescribed substances, as well as the fetal effects and the needs of prenatally exposed infants and children.
Additional Resources:
Related Posts: Adopting a Drug-Exposed Baby: Making the Decision
California Teratogen Information Service and Clinical Research Program, UCSD
A statewide program that provides information about prescriptive an non-prescriptive drugs, street drugs, alcohol, chemicals, infectious diseases and any other physical agents which may be harmful to an unborn child.