Babies born Addicted

[fstrmama]

I am a foster mom of two babies, 18 mos and 4 mos. Both babies were born addicted to cocaine. What are the life long side effects of being born addicted? How long are they affected by the drug? I have noticed that my 18month old is super sensitive to his surroundings and schedual, any kind of advice is welcomed.:confused:

[jimberan]

I have read that babies born from crack mothers can have mental and physical effects all their lives. Its such a crime that this is done to these babies.

[mtajim]

Addiction that come with birth are really hard to overcome , because its natural and babies will feel very hard to leave it easily.

[Noxic]

I don't really know what to say about this one.
Its just terrible that babies have to go through what many adults and teens have a hard time dealing with also.

[mtajim]

I saw a documentry in CNN that in some underdeveloped countries when people dont have food it feed there child they give even to their 2 months old child cocaine and other drugs to eat , so that they dont feel hungry and this way they get addicted to it

[britjojo]

A friend of mine abused cocaine during pregnancy and lied, saying she was clean. Her beautiful boy was born addicted, and died during the withdrawal period because she didn't seek the help he needed.

Problems for these children can be many, but once you get past the early months they lessen in severity. Recent studies suggest that they have normal intelligence, but may have mild behavioural problems such as poor attention span.

The problem with these babies is that they were often exposed to OTHER things in utero too and that is the unknown. Frequently alcohol is abused at the same time, and so the babies can also suffer fetal alcohol syndrome or fetal alcohol effects. That would explain your toddler's sensitivity to environmental and routine changes-FAS children need very set routines to thrive.

Ultimately a good environment can undo much of the damage these children suffered if cocaine damage is the only thing. But with the unknowns of poor prenatal care and other abuses in women who do this, you will never know for sure. I am sorry.

[mayapple52]

I just found this and am glad it is here. I'm not sure anyone can answer the questions I have but maybe I can find support here. We are foster parents and just adopted a three year old who was born withe cocaine in her. there was no prenatal care at all, other siblings, mom was a prostitute, dad her pimp, etc..

This is a darling little girl, hyper to say the least. she has a very short attention span. I have two older children who have given me a total of six grandchildren, and one daughter just graduated high shool and one who will graduate next May, and now this little one. I have homeschooled the two teenagers and plan on homeschooling this little one. I can't see her in a public school and having her made to sit still all day in a controlled environment at four years of age.

Our biggest problem is - she has tantrums. She wants to hurt herself. She kicks walls. throws things. I have to stand back or I end up bruised from her kicking, pinching, throwing. Sometimes they last a few minutes or up to an hour. She seems to have an internal switch that turns on at any time then turns off just like that!

Has anyone experienced this with these children? WE can't let this go on as she get's older this could get worse. We are planning on a full blood work up on her fourth birthday check up to rule out any physical problems. We think maybe an adrenaline rush may be linked to these outbursts that come on suddenly.
She can get up from the supper table and run around the table five or six times and giggle up a storm, then sit under the table with the dog and just laugh. Yes, this may be normal for a three year old just havnig fun and she does have a lot of energy for an old lady like me (55) but she is a doll and we will do our best at helping her adjust to this world and bring her up as normal as we can with God's help and His strength.

[aima123]

Sorry to hear that mayapple. Maybe it would be nice if you bring your child to a psychiatric so that he can be given a good medication, perhaps your child will be safe if he will be rehabilatated.

[MHJ]

Geraldo Rivera did an excellent newmagazine story called "The Littlest Addict" back in 1972. I wish they would re-release it on DVD one of these days

[aima123]

I haven't heard nor seen that yet. Can you share with us a little overview? It sounds interesting.

[hazephase]

I did not know that babies could be addicted and if a mother had any addcition the babe could also get it . My father used to drink and I have done some drugs and other things .

[Joseph_Bloomfield]

[COLOR="Red"]that's sad.I have a crack baby i don't think i will no what to when he cries i am a first time mother i feel really bad he is in care for 6 months i have to work hard to get him back so what do you think i should do??:(

[laurah]

My little sister user to have awful temper tantrums, like the ones you describe Mayapple, but eventually she just grew out of them. It's just a ploy for attention, be it good or bad, so you need to remain as calm as possible with her, and let her learn that there are better ways to get your attention/approval. When she is misbehaving, remove her from the room, so she is on her own, and not getting the attention she wants, She'll learn soon enough.

[iamdabomb]

I am a foster mom of two babies, 18 mos and 4 mos. Both babies were born addicted to cocaine. What are the life long side effects of being born addicted? How long are they affected by the drug? I have noticed that my 18month old is super sensitive to his surroundings and schedual, any kind of advice is welcomed.:confused:
Babies born addicted to cocaine can have many side effects all through there life. Babies born addicted may have a smaller head. They have many defects due to there brain being underdeveloped from lack of oxygen

[iamdabomb]

I did not know that babies could be addicted and if a mother had any addcition the babe could also get it . My father used to drink and I have done some drugs and other things .
They can because the chemicals cross the placenta and enter the babies blood stream

[iamdabomb]

I was born addicted to drugs:eek: