How should we care for babies in withdrawal?

Just 1 in 4 babies born with substance withdrawal go home with their biological parents. But in this program, moms and babies heal together - and it could radically change how we approach addiction care.
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The opioid epidemic in Dayton, Ohio, has profoundly impacted newborns, with about 2,000 babies born with substance withdrawal each year. These infants, usually separated from their mothers at birth and placed in the foster care system, go on to suffer long-term adverse effects; children who have spent time in foster care have increased risks of experiencing homelessness and being incarcerated.
In response, a revolutionary approach is emerging in Dayton. Brigid’s Path is a newborn recovery center founded by a foster mother named Jill Kingston, which offers a unique solution by allowing mothers battling addiction to live and recover with their babies. This model focuses on preserving the mother-child bond; skin-to-skin contact as early as possible post-birth has been proven to be crucial for a faster recovery and long-term well-being of both. The center, through its supportive and non-judgmental environment, has shown impressive results: 85% of babies in this program remain with their biological families, far exceeding the traditional rate of 24%.
The story of Mariah and her daughter Gloria exemplifies the transformative impact of this approach. Mariah, escaping an abusive relationship and substance abuse, finds hope, a path to sobriety, and confidence in her motherhood at the center. This innovative approach in Dayton highlights the potential of community-based, compassionate solutions in tackling the opioid crisis. It underscores the importance of looking beyond conventional methods, suggesting that addressing such complex social issues requires empathy, support, and a commitment to breaking cycles of addiction and its associated stigma.
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