Q: Which doctor treats Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?
A: A paediatrician treats Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
Q: Are the symptoms of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome same in every baby?
A: No. Presentation varies depending upon the drug involved, duration of intake, whether the baby was full term or preterm, dosage of the drug used and its rate of breakdown in the mother.
Q: What is the prognosis?
A: Withdrawal symptoms usually resolve with drug therapy, but severe exposure in utero to illicit drugs does lead to neurodevelopmental problems in the baby like poor learning ability, social skills, adaptability etc. Aggression, irritability and agitation are common to even simple stimuli.
Q: Can the mother breast feed a baby with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?
A: Breastfeeding may be considered if the doctor feels it is safe. Breast-feeding has several benefits for the developing baby; hence, even if drugs are taken by the mother as part of treatment, she should get advise from her doctor regarding breast feeding the child.
