Related Posts: Adopting a Drug-Exposed Baby: Making the Decision
- Research, research, research. Talk to professionals – pediatricians, neonatologists or genetic counselors. They can help you feel comfortable with your decision.
- Enlist a professional who is familiar with substance abuse to help you determine the birth mother’s actual experience with drugs – which drugs she used, how much and at what point during the pregnancy.
- Find out as much as you can about the birth mother’s lifestyle choices.
- If you are in the midst of discussions with a birth mother who has already given birth, be sure to talk to the baby’s doctor.
- Have your own physician evaluate any lab reports and consider getting an ultrasound if the birthmother used cocaine.
- Remember that it’s often difficult to get a completely honest history from someone who uses drugs.
- Ask about the baby’s behavior. Is the infant irritable, fretful and agitated or calm and responsive? Does she react appropriately to caregivers?
- Remember that every situation is unique, with its own merits and drawbacks.
- Go into the adoption thinking that some problems might occur and be ready to deal with them when they do.
- If problems do arise, be aggressive in seeking professional assessments and help. Early intervention makes a difference.
- Know that there is no definitive answer to questions about whether drug-exposed babies grow up predisposed to use drugs themselves. Parent all children as if they might be attracted to drugs.
- Remember that environment does make a difference. A nurturing, stimulating, loving home can make a big difference in the life of a child who was exposed to drugs.
Related Post: Words of Wisdom in Open Adoption
Additional Resources:
Related Posts: Adopting a Drug-Exposed Baby: Making the Decision
Mother To Baby California is dedicated to providing FREE evidence-based information to mothers, healthcare professionals, and the general public about medications, alcohol, drugs of abuse, herbal supplements, chemicals, infectious diseases, and other exposures during pregnancy.