Pregnant women who use drugs or alcohol now have access to Pregnant Addiction and Recovery Support through Porter-Starke Services. The Momentum program offers information about how drugs and alcohol affect the growing baby.
Experts say Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) occurs when the mother takes opioids like painkillers or heroin while pregnant. Babies go through withdrawal from one to seven days after birth, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Babies with NAS can be born too small. They can also have breathing problems, get upset easier and be more difficult to calm down.
Doctors add stopping pain killers or heroin too quickly can also harm the woman and the baby. Pregnant women who are taking drugs are urged to talk to their physician first.
A doctor’s referral is required to get into the Momentum program. Participants will be asked to sign a release of information form to complete the referral, and then a Momentum staff person will call to schedule care.
Pregnant women who take part in the Momentum program also receive medication assisted treatment from a doctor who will determine what is best for the baby. Group and in-home support are also offered.
Call Porter-Starke Services at 219-476-4644 for more information.
