The length of stay in intensive care varies greatly, from a few days up to a month. When taken home, for several months these babies may still experience signs of withdrawal.
This baby had tense and clenched muscles. She could not organise a suck pattern to feed effectively and required a feeding tube, and she would tremor and jerk so much she rubbed her chin raw on her blankets.
The nurses would take turns swaying and rocking with her for hours. This baby was medicated with morphine and gas drops, and was tried on multiple different formulas to help try to soothe her and settle her reflux.
Often it is the case that mothers with drug dependence really want to get off drugs and care for their baby. They love their children, but the truth is that their addiction has a strong hold on them. (for complete article https://newsweekly.com.au/newsweekly/addictions-littlest-victims/)
Also see