Author: marie
Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2011 7:53 pm
I had a baby boy almost eight months ago.
My son didn’t show any signs of NAS until the day we were scheduled to be discharged, (about 72hrs after birth).
Even that morning when the Ped. examined my baby, she didn’t feel that he had NAS. However, ONE nurse (a new nurse whom had just come on shift and hadn’t been around us all wknd), felt that my son was exhibiting withdrawl symptoms. So, the Ped. informed me that they’d keep us until that night, and score my son throughout the day. Luckily, he never scored higher than a 5.
http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/PPG/Portals/0/National-Guidelines-Appendix-10.pdf
Here is a link to the scale hospitals use to determine if a baby is in withdrawl, and for deciding if medication is needed.
To this day, Im not sure if my baby had NAS or not. He was pretty fussy that last day (and became increasingly fussy until the next morning). But, my milk hadn’t come in either……and I KNOW he was hungry. Thank God, my milk came in…….in the middle of the night, our first night home. I must note, that was a LONG NIGHT! Until my milk came in, my baby was inconsolible. It scared the crap outta my husband and I. We even considered taking him back to the hospital.
We stuck it out, and did what we could to comfort our son. The next day (after he’d had actual breast milk), our son was calm and happy. We had a follow-up appt with his Ped. that next day…….she said he was fine, and that she didn’t see any NAS.
So, personally…..I think my baby DID have mild NAS, but was also VERY, VERY HUNGRY.
Its hard to know for sure sometimes (if a baby truly has NAS), because some of the symptoms of NAS are things that most healthy babies do anyways. I second what was stated above; do research before giving birth, together w/your O.B come up with a plan for worst case scenario, be present and involved as much as possible in treating/caring for your baby.
If your child does end up having to be treated for NAS, you’ll likely get judgment from someone along the way. But, if your honest with your healthcare professionals, and if you’re an advocate for yourself/your baby……in the end, you’ll prove that you’re a responsible, loving parent. Your attitude can also play a big part in your treatment.
Good Luck! I hope you have a wonderful birthing experience!
Please keep us updated.
