Internet Resources for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

This post lists several informational websites that may be helpful for pregnant or recently pregnant mothers who either have infants at risk for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), or have an infant diagnosed with NAS. 

1. Medscape - NAS background (click here)
This website provides detailed information about the signs/symptoms, causes, and pathophysiology (or disease process) of NAS. The website conveniently lays out a common process of assessment, diagnosis, confirmation, and treatment of NAS. Parents who are interested in how this process works will find this website very helpful to explain some of the procedures or assessments done for their infant by healthcare professionals. 

2. March of Dimes - Risks of NAS (click here)
This website provides an overview of what NAS is, why it is a problem for infants, ways to prevent NAS, signs and symptoms that might indicate NAS, and how it is commonly treated in the hospital. This website specifically highlights some of the dangerous conditions infants can develop from NAS such as low birth weight, breastfeeding problems, seizures, and birth defects. It also emphasizes that quitting "cold turkey" is incredibly dangerous for both the mother and the infant.



3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Treatment for the mother (click here)
This website is a portal that allows mothers or expectant mothers who are addicted to drug substances to search and find authorized treatment centers and facilities. This is essential in ensuring a healthy life and lifestyle for both the infant and the mother. The mother's health and ability to take care of her infant have incredible influences not only on how well her infant will grow and develop, but may even have an impact on whether she can keep her baby at all! If you are concerned about whether or not your infant may be at risk for NAS or if your infant is already diagnosed, please seek life-restoring treatment through this website to benefit both yourself and your child.

4. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - Treatment for the infant (click here)
This website lays out information about  the treatment pathway that would be followed in an NICU setting where an infant diagnosed with NAS would be treated. This provides vital information for parents who might be wondering about the specifics of how their infant will be treated, and what kinds of improvements are essential for discharge. By clicking on the highlighted links within the website, visitors can find additional information. While treatment pathways may not be the same for every facility, this is a common regimen that has been supported by research. Eventually, it may become a universally accepted treatment pathway for infants with NAS. 

References

1. emedicine.medscape.com/article/978763-treatment

2. www.marchofdimes.org/complications/neonatal-abstinence-syndrome-(nas).aspx

3. findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

4. www.chop.edu/clinical-pathway/neonatal-abstinence-syndrome-clinical-pathway