Nurses at UAB? (or anywhere in Alabama) NAS questions

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Hi. I am looking for some information. My DIL is currently 34 weeks pregnant and taking something called subutex. I just recently found out about this after she and my son explained what it was, why she was taking this medication and what effects it may possibly have on the baby once she is born. After extensive research I had LOTS of questions for them, however, they didn't have some of the answers and actually had many questions of their own. Questions that I have tried getting answers to, but to no avail. I'm also very concerned after reading some of the things I have come across online.

I was hoping a nurse who works at UAB (or anywhere in Alabama) in the nursery or even NICU could answer some or all of my questions.

1.) How are these babies treated if they have withdrawals? I've read either morphine or methadone.

2.) I've read even if baby shows no symptoms of withdrawals some hospitals require a mandatory 5-10 day stay. Is this the case at UAB?

3.) Are the mothers allowed to breastfeed?

4.) Are the babies drug tested? And if yes, how? This is one of my DIL and son's questions. Thought I'd ask since I'm a bit interested in the answer. They said it could be done either by urine, blood or meconium. I don't really understand how you would urine test a baby or take blood from one either. I would imagine the meconium would be the easiest, but I really don't understand how you drug test feces.

There are many other questions, but those are a few that I've not been able to find answers for..

This is going to be my first granddaughter! I'm excited but I'm also really sad that the baby may have a hard beginning at life. I'm not sure if anyone can tell me if there is anyway to decrease the chances of NAS? Most of what I've read said dose doesn't matter but that doesn't make any sense to me.

Anyway, thanks to anyone who can help.

Gma2four

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I was just made aware that my questions cannot be answered since they are asking for medical advice. I apologize for that was not my intentions (as I'm aware of the websites policy) -

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

Sadly, our members really can't offer you any advice. I hope things go well for your grandbaby. Best wishes.

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