Hi! I'd love info/experiences of women on methadone during the labor and delivery. How was your pain managed? Was there understanding of your needs? etc. Thanx
Hello. I would love to talk to you more about this issue, however, I'm not good at making what I try to talk about short enough and I'm afraid this message board will not give me enough space to write the info needed. So if you would like to give me your email address, I would write you a letter explaining to you my situation. You can email me at Call1_800_IMAMOM@YAHOO.COM.
Unfortunatly, I was one of them woman your talking about. I gave birth while on Methadone. I asked if there was anyway I could detox rapidly off the Methadone so I didn't have to put my baby threw this, but they said it was worse for the baby if I did this, and there was a risk the baby would die by me doing this. So I did what I had to do, what at the time was in the best interest for my baby. Your questions: I am trying to remember all that you asked but I'll do my best to answer what I remember you asking. As far as the doctors treating me good while being pregnant, yes they actually did, which I was surprised:) During the last months of my pregnancy I was send to a professional out of town who only deals with these types of circumstances woman like me in my situation. They did ultrasounds more frequent to make sure all was going well for the baby. They discussed what would be taken place after the baby was born, and re asurred me that the baby would not suffer, and there has never been any babies deformed due to methadone, or any other things due to methadone. Such as down syndrome and such, they said it's safe to be on methadone while pregnant, however after the baby is born the baby would several days after birth start to show the signs of drug withdrawal. Which broke my heart at the very thought of it,my baby would be going threw this because of ME! How ignorant I felt, as many times as the doctors would reasure me I was doing what was best for the baby, I still coudln't help but feel so disgusting about ME, and sad for what laid ahead for my little baby girl! :(
After she was born, She started on her medicine detox a few days later. I can't think of the exact name that they had to give her right now, it's been two years now, but I'll think of it and if you email me I can let you know. She didn't need much to be wiend off and to make her so she was comfortable. She did very well the nurses said. There was another baby in the room I was in with my daughter. Which I stayed with my daughter threw the whole thing. Slept in her hospital room with her and did her daily baths and did all I possibly could to make darn sure she was as comfortable as possible, I would draw the shades to keep the light out of her eyes, I gave her baths twice a day in her basin tub, and I played lullabye symphony music the same cd the whole three months she was in the hospital, kept her dressed very comfy and put a lotion J&J night time lotion on her because of the stuff in the lotion it soothes babies. The doctor came to check on my daughter one day, and said that what I was doing was great and was realy helping my daughter. He even said that the lotion was a great idea, because the chamomile in it realy does work. My daughter looked pretty good! I was happy about that, still never feeling totally good because I was the one who created this mess for her! I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be like this! I never thought I'd get addicted to drugs. What started out as taking medication due to a health problem I had, a person who would never take tylenol for a migraine let a lone getting addicted. I had no chose, a long time ago I was having these massive attacks that hurt so bad, the pain would cause me to vommit, I went to the ER several times, several times send back doped up from prescription drugs due to the pain the docs coudl see I was in, yet never till the 5th time this woman doctor realy actually listend to me, at 2:30am I was in the ER, crying, vomitting felt like I was literally dying come to find out I was having gallbladder attacks, so anyways, Scared and not having money to have my surgery down, I kept getting prescribed pain medicines, not realizing what was happening, eventualy I realized that what I was taking wasn't working, had to go to the next strenght and then the next had surgery finally no more medicine's given to me anymore and I couldn't live day to day without buying street pain medications and then I got highter and highter into drugs not just pain meds, there ya go, I was an addict and hated myself. I tried several times to get off this crap, but no success, I could'nt do it! Finally heard about a Methadone Clinic and I am now in one and was in one before I got pregnant for my little girl. Several months later I found out my husband and I was pregnant. O"Great! What have I done! And we go back to the begining of this post. I wanted off the methadone to not put my little girl threw this and ended up with having to do what I thought was the best thing for her. It turned out that it was but I will always live with this guilt. I have been clean from illicit drugs for 3 years now, the whole 9 months of being pregnant and then before I was pregnant and then after having the baby. Been clean this whole time. Clean urines since I've been at the clinic. Anyways not what your asking, sorry! I've been slowly detoxing for the past four months, I've gone from 190 miligrams to 79. :) I can't wait until I no longer need to depend on even this to make me feel better, so I can live a normal life again. I'm just very happy my daughter is ok, and came home with no problems. Shes' a happy but defiant little two year old. But I love her to pieces. She is healthy the most important thing! If you've got any other questions. I'd be happy to answer them for you. I did my best I know it's still a rather long post, but Still be happy to help out anyway I can. Take Care! PS sorry about spelling, I'm typing pretty fast.
Unfortunatly, I was one of them woman your talking about. I gave birth while on Methadone. I asked if there was anyway I could detox rapidly off the Methadone so I didn't have to put my baby threw this, but they said it was worse for the baby if I did this, and there was a risk the baby would die by me doing this. So I did what I had to do, what at the time was in the best interest for my baby. Your questions: I am trying to remember all that you asked but I'll do my best to answer what I remember you asking. As far as the doctors treating me good while being pregnant, yes they actually did, which I was surprised:) During the last months of my pregnancy I was send to a professional out of town who only deals with these types of circumstances woman like me in my situation. They did ultrasounds more frequent to make sure all was going well for the baby. They discussed what would be taken place after the baby was born, and re asurred me that the baby would not suffer, and there has never been any babies deformed due to methadone, or any other things due to methadone. Such as down syndrome and such, they said it's safe to be on methadone while pregnant, however after the baby is born the baby would several days after birth start to show the signs of drug withdrawal. Which broke my heart at the very thought of it,my baby would be going threw this because of ME! How ignorant I felt, as many times as the doctors would reasure me I was doing what was best for the baby, I still coudln't help but feel so disgusting about ME, and sad for what laid ahead for my little baby girl! :(
After she was born, She started on her medicine detox a few days later. I can't think of the exact name that they had to give her right now, it's been two years now, but I'll think of it and if you email me I can let you know. She didn't need much to be wiend off and to make her so she was comfortable. She did very well the nurses said. There was another baby in the room I was in with my daughter. Which I stayed with my daughter threw the whole thing. Slept in her hospital room with her and did her daily baths and did all I possibly could to make darn sure she was as comfortable as possible, I would draw the shades to keep the light out of her eyes, I gave her baths twice a day in her basin tub, and I played lullabye symphony music the same cd the whole three months she was in the hospital, kept her dressed very comfy and put a lotion J&J night time lotion on her because of the stuff in the lotion it soothes babies. The doctor came to check on my daughter one day, and said that what I was doing was great and was realy helping my daughter. He even said that the lotion was a great idea, because the chamomile in it realy does work. My daughter looked pretty good! I was happy about that, still never feeling totally good because I was the one who created this mess for her! I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be like this! I never thought I'd get addicted to drugs. What started out as taking medication due to a health problem I had, a person who would never take tylenol for a migraine let a lone getting addicted. I had no chose, a long time ago I was having these massive attacks that hurt so bad, the pain would cause me to vommit, I went to the ER several times, several times send back doped up from prescription drugs due to the pain the docs coudl see I was in, yet never till the 5th time this woman doctor realy actually listend to me, at 2:30am I was in the ER, crying, vomitting felt like I was literally dying come to find out I was having gallbladder attacks, so anyways, Scared and not having money to have my surgery down, I kept getting prescribed pain medicines, not realizing what was happening, eventualy I realized that what I was taking wasn't working, had to go to the next strenght and then the next had surgery finally no more medicine's given to me anymore and I couldn't live day to day without buying street pain medications and then I got highter and highter into drugs not just pain meds, there ya go, I was an addict and hated myself. I tried several times to get off this crap, but no success, I could'nt do it! Finally heard about a Methadone Clinic and I am now in one and was in one before I got pregnant for my little girl. Several months later I found out my husband and I was pregnant. O"Great! What have I done! And we go back to the begining of this post. I wanted off the methadone to not put my little girl threw this and ended up with having to do what I thought was the best thing for her. It turned out that it was but I will always live with this guilt. I have been clean from illicit drugs for 3 years now, the whole 9 months of being pregnant and then before I was pregnant and then after having the baby. Been clean this whole time. Clean urines since I've been at the clinic. Anyways not what your asking, sorry! I've been slowly detoxing for the past four months, I've gone from 190 miligrams to 79. :) I can't wait until I no longer need to depend on even this to make me feel better, so I can live a normal life again. I'm just very happy my daughter is ok, and came home with no problems. Shes' a happy but defiant little two year old. But I love her to pieces. She is healthy the most important thing! If you've got any other questions. I'd be happy to answer them for you. I did my best I know it's still a rather long post, but Still be happy to help out anyway I can. Take Care! PS sorry about spelling, I'm typing pretty fast.
Hi! I'd love info/experiences of women on methadone during the labor and delivery. How was your pain managed? Was there understanding of your needs? etc. Thanx
I'm sorry I realy didn't answer any of your questions, did I? OK, During the labor I was treated good. Actually the nurses were magnificent! They treated me so nice. Actually it was funny because the nurses had to leave and let someone take there place for the time being and one of the nurses didn't want to leave but the other nurse begged her to go with her and the woman who was in her place in the mean while said I will get in touch with you is she starts to have her baby, she didn't want to miss me giving birth, I was in labor for a long, long time and was almost there ready to push. Well, I was given during labor, exact med name I can't remember but I have two other babies and they both were natural labors. This birth I had the needle in the back so it numbs you waist down, but It didnt' work(much) A little but not much, they can only give you so much being on methadone. had I not been on methadone he said he would be able to give me more and it would help me more. I understood, it gave me some comfort but not a heck of a lot. But yes I was treated great before and afterwards. Hope this helped you a lot better than the first post, and much less reading too. Nice hugh? lol. take care
I'm sorry I realy didn't answer any of your questions, did I? OK, During the labor I was treated good. Actually the nurses were magnificent! They treated me so nice. Actually it was funny because the nurses had to leave and let someone take there place for the time being and one of the nurses didn't want to leave but the other nurse begged her to go with her and the woman who was in her place in the mean while said I will get in touch with you is she starts to have her baby, she didn't want to miss me giving birth, I was in labor for a long, long time and was almost there ready to push. Well, I was given during labor, exact med name I can't remember but I have two other babies and they both were natural labors. This birth I had the needle in the back so it numbs you waist down, but It didnt' work(much) A little but not much, they can only give you so much being on methadone. had I not been on methadone he said he would be able to give me more and it would help me more. I understood, it gave me some comfort but not a heck of a lot. But yes I was treated great before and afterwards. Hope this helped you a lot better than the first post, and much less reading too. Nice hugh? lol. take care
Hi, unfortunatly i have been addicted to opiates since i was 19 yrs old, im 24 now. I have been on a methadone script for 2 years. I was stable on 30mls daily ( home dispense) since november 2010. I am currently 20 weeks pregnant with my first baby. Although im stable, and dont take any illegal or legal drugs other than methadone (my 30mls daily), i am worried about the treatment and side affects of the baby. I live in the uk, and i go twice a week to the anti natal clinic. I have tried to wean myself lower with there help, but my midwife who specializes in methadone and pregnancy said "very few woman can reduce as its harder when pregnant" As your blood levels double at the 3rd trimester, and the methadone has more to cover.
The midwife says my baby is a good size, and all tests have came back negative. Hep c, aids,
Downs etc.
Has anyone had any experience of methadone and detox while pregnant? Or stable dose like me and pregnant. Will i need a c section for delivery of the baby? (i read this on web ) Would i get "normal" painkillers whilst in labor? Im scared i will be treated like "scum". I didnt have periods for 2 years, so falling pregnant with this baby was a total shock, me and my partner have been together for 5 years.
And what chances are the baby being addicted at birth? Also has anyone had dealings with the social services? I had a appointment with them as if your addicted / drug problems in U.K
you atomaticaly get reffered. My midwife has been very supportive and said social intervention is very slim for me. Because i have been stable for so long, supervised drug tests are all negative.
And i have never missed a anti natal appointment. I have been to one meeting at 19 weeks, and have the other later on, near 34 weeks, then a desicion will be made.
But alas im still pertrified even though she said "off the record, chances are slim" If anyone has any information, or presonal experience, please can you leave a post to help? Thank you x
The midwife says my baby is a good size, and all tests have came back negative. Hep c, aids,
Downs etc.
Has anyone had any experience of methadone and detox while pregnant? Or stable dose like me and pregnant. Will i need a c section for delivery of the baby? (i read this on web ) Would i get "normal" painkillers whilst in labor? Im scared i will be treated like "scum". I didnt have periods for 2 years, so falling pregnant with this baby was a total shock, me and my partner have been together for 5 years.
And what chances are the baby being addicted at birth? Also has anyone had dealings with the social services? I had a appointment with them as if your addicted / drug problems in U.K
you atomaticaly get reffered. My midwife has been very supportive and said social intervention is very slim for me. Because i have been stable for so long, supervised drug tests are all negative.
And i have never missed a anti natal appointment. I have been to one meeting at 19 weeks, and have the other later on, near 34 weeks, then a desicion will be made.
But alas im still pertrified even though she said "off the record, chances are slim" If anyone has any information, or presonal experience, please can you leave a post to help? Thank you x
This was posted a few months ago on the misc board, but maybe this person is checking back or this thread might help others.
the moderators
the moderators
Hey Mods,
thanks so much for thinking"outside the box".!!! Since there was no where for methadone patients to go before the methadone board was added ,except into "misc", it nice to see someone go above and beyond like you just did,especially for a pregnancy/methadone related topic. It IS appreciated.
Granny
thanks so much for thinking"outside the box".!!! Since there was no where for methadone patients to go before the methadone board was added ,except into "misc", it nice to see someone go above and beyond like you just did,especially for a pregnancy/methadone related topic. It IS appreciated.
Granny
My ex-wife was on methadone for about 5 yrs when she had our son. She went from 80 mgs to 25 mgs ,which we come to find out- - as yrs went by and more was found out about this, that this wasnt necessary. Although , try not to go up- stay on your dose and be honest with your doctors- -
The baby was born fine, he only needed some phenobarbital to get him over about 2 or 3 days.
You shouldnt detox off- because your baby has been "on mdone " for just as long as the mother and he needs his dose ,just like she does.
A good pediatric unit will know the drill- - times have changed as they know more about this subject then they did 25 yrs ago (when my kid was born)- - Work with them, follow instructions, dont use dope! and do all the healthy things your suppossed to- -dont drink or smoke, etc... -
Your kid will be fine, heathly ,and wont have any after effects yrs later-
went thru it
jack
- - below copied from a mdone and childbirth website/ look for the most recent info- as some infornation I saw is outdated* *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What advantages does MMT offer?
Heroin and other opioid drug use can cause serious complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage or premature delivery of the unborn child (also called a fetus). And children born to addicted mothers also are at greater risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Since the early 1970's medical experts have recommended MMT for opioid-dependent pregnant women. Because MMT helps reduce the use of illegal opioids and the abuse of other harmful drugs, it offers a number of proven advantages:
helps you escape from a drug-seeking lifestyle;
reduces the risks of contracting HIV, hepatitis and other infections;
prevents erratic blood levels of drugs that put the unborn baby through dangerous withdrawal;
improves your nutrition, leading to healthier weight and condition of the newborn;
allows you to prepare for the birth, take baby care classes, and begin homemaking;
reduces medical complications both before and during childbirth, allowing for a healthier newborn.
In short, research has clearly shown that MMT is safe for pregnant women and offers you a much greater chance for a healthy baby.
What is the best methadone dose for pregnant women?
There is no single best methadone dose for pregnant women. Your maintenance dose needs to be individually determined for your needs, to control drug craving and prevent withdrawal symptoms. Because of changes in your body during pregnancy, you may need an increased methadone dose at some point. This can be the case no matter how high your dose was to begin with and it does not harm the unborn child.
Does methadone affect childbirth pain?
While you are in the hospital, you should continue receiving your regular methadone dose. Ask your clinical doctor to talk to the hospital staff about this if necessary.
Although methadone is a painkiller, your body becomes accustomed to its pain-relieving qualities. This means that you will feel pain just like any women who has never taken methadone.
During labor and delivery, you should have the same choices for pain relief available to any patient - possibly including opioid pain medications. Discuss this with your doctor.
How is the baby affected?
At birth, the infant may have a slightly lower than average birth weight than a drug-free newborn. This is only temporary and can usually be avoided if you receive proper care before childbirth, and do not smoke or drink alcohol.
Some methadone crosses from mother to baby in the womb, the infant can experience some withdrawal symptoms during the first few days after birth. Withdrawal usually develops slowly and is routinely treated by the babys doctor.
There is no long-last harm to the child from methadone . And it is important to remember that a baby born to a mother in MMT is always much better off both physically and mentally than if the women was using heroin or other street drugs.
What about after childbirth?
Your methadone should be continued daily as usual while you are in the hospital. Ask your clinical staff for help in arranging this if necessary.
You can breast-feed your new baby while taking methadone. Although methadone does show up in breast milk, research has shown that it is too small an amount to affect or harm the child.
However, you should not breast-feed if you use any alcohol or street drugs, or if you have an infection such as hepatitis or HIV.
What else can you do?
Taking good care of yourself is vital for the health of your baby:
inform clinic staff as soon as you think you are pregnant;
attend all prenatal doctors appointments and education classes;
follow your health care providers instructions for prenatal care;
eat healthy foods and watch your weight;
stop or at least cut down on tobacco smoking;
never take any drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or alcohol that have not been specifically prescribed by your doctor.
You must do your part to get the full benefits of what MMT has to offer.
The baby was born fine, he only needed some phenobarbital to get him over about 2 or 3 days.
You shouldnt detox off- because your baby has been "on mdone " for just as long as the mother and he needs his dose ,just like she does.
A good pediatric unit will know the drill- - times have changed as they know more about this subject then they did 25 yrs ago (when my kid was born)- - Work with them, follow instructions, dont use dope! and do all the healthy things your suppossed to- -dont drink or smoke, etc... -
Your kid will be fine, heathly ,and wont have any after effects yrs later-
went thru it
jack
- - below copied from a mdone and childbirth website/ look for the most recent info- as some infornation I saw is outdated* *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What advantages does MMT offer?
Heroin and other opioid drug use can cause serious complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage or premature delivery of the unborn child (also called a fetus). And children born to addicted mothers also are at greater risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Since the early 1970's medical experts have recommended MMT for opioid-dependent pregnant women. Because MMT helps reduce the use of illegal opioids and the abuse of other harmful drugs, it offers a number of proven advantages:
helps you escape from a drug-seeking lifestyle;
reduces the risks of contracting HIV, hepatitis and other infections;
prevents erratic blood levels of drugs that put the unborn baby through dangerous withdrawal;
improves your nutrition, leading to healthier weight and condition of the newborn;
allows you to prepare for the birth, take baby care classes, and begin homemaking;
reduces medical complications both before and during childbirth, allowing for a healthier newborn.
In short, research has clearly shown that MMT is safe for pregnant women and offers you a much greater chance for a healthy baby.
What is the best methadone dose for pregnant women?
There is no single best methadone dose for pregnant women. Your maintenance dose needs to be individually determined for your needs, to control drug craving and prevent withdrawal symptoms. Because of changes in your body during pregnancy, you may need an increased methadone dose at some point. This can be the case no matter how high your dose was to begin with and it does not harm the unborn child.
Does methadone affect childbirth pain?
While you are in the hospital, you should continue receiving your regular methadone dose. Ask your clinical doctor to talk to the hospital staff about this if necessary.
Although methadone is a painkiller, your body becomes accustomed to its pain-relieving qualities. This means that you will feel pain just like any women who has never taken methadone.
During labor and delivery, you should have the same choices for pain relief available to any patient - possibly including opioid pain medications. Discuss this with your doctor.
How is the baby affected?
At birth, the infant may have a slightly lower than average birth weight than a drug-free newborn. This is only temporary and can usually be avoided if you receive proper care before childbirth, and do not smoke or drink alcohol.
Some methadone crosses from mother to baby in the womb, the infant can experience some withdrawal symptoms during the first few days after birth. Withdrawal usually develops slowly and is routinely treated by the babys doctor.
There is no long-last harm to the child from methadone . And it is important to remember that a baby born to a mother in MMT is always much better off both physically and mentally than if the women was using heroin or other street drugs.
What about after childbirth?
Your methadone should be continued daily as usual while you are in the hospital. Ask your clinical staff for help in arranging this if necessary.
You can breast-feed your new baby while taking methadone. Although methadone does show up in breast milk, research has shown that it is too small an amount to affect or harm the child.
However, you should not breast-feed if you use any alcohol or street drugs, or if you have an infection such as hepatitis or HIV.
What else can you do?
Taking good care of yourself is vital for the health of your baby:
inform clinic staff as soon as you think you are pregnant;
attend all prenatal doctors appointments and education classes;
follow your health care providers instructions for prenatal care;
eat healthy foods and watch your weight;
stop or at least cut down on tobacco smoking;
never take any drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or alcohol that have not been specifically prescribed by your doctor.
You must do your part to get the full benefits of what MMT has to offer.
Hello my sister just gave birth to my niece while taking methadone. I'd really love to talk with someone who has recovered from this. My mom said she thinks my sister was high (nodding off) while they were in the nicu together. I'm at a loss for what to do. I thought her love for the baby would cure her. I do know she loves the baby but am sick over the idea that she might still be using drugs. She will not let anyone be able to get info at the methadone clinic. Which to me if she has nothing to hide then why not? Also she just informed my mom that they decreased her methadone which is why she was nodding off. Could this be right? Could she have just been really tired bc she's a new mom spending tons of time at the hospital?
I am pregnanct & on methadone. I am 9 weeks. When I found out,'I waz on 115 MGs, I found out on New Years eve, have been decreasing every 7 days. I am now at 90x and have only been decreasing since I found out less than 3 weeks ago. However I am now going to change my decrease schedule to go down 10 MGs and then 5ng every 4 days so I can get off of it as quickly as possible, however still safety. If I desl withdrawal I will let my clinition know, and will HOLD my decrease for 7 or 10 days until I stabalizs. I have had clean urines for quite some time now, about a year, and this little miracle has been my motivation to get off, I wish it was different though, obviously. I am going to get off so the baby won't have to go through withdrawl and DCF won't have to be involved, as they are involved with any baby born on any substance and goes through withdrawl. This is my first pregnancy and do not want those things to be a factor. As far as what your sister said if she DECREaSED her dose, NO she wouldn't be nodding now, If she wasn't nodding before the decrease. Sounds like the excuses j used to give. But it looks really and to be doing that in the N- unit with the baby, the hospital reports all that stuff. I hope everything works out, if u have any questions, feel free. I have been on the clinic for 2 years.
Thank you so much for responding. So if she is using again, I'm wondering what I can do to take the baby bc no one was on any substances when we were growing up & it's not fair for my niece. She can't be high & a good mom @ the same time. Who can I call? Will the methadone clinic help? Oh I have another question, she said she was lowering her dose & now needs to go to the clinic every day. She was doing take homes previously. Did she fail a test & now needs to go there everyday? If she fails a test, is it reported to children youth services since she is a mother now?
My Gf was abusing oxy's while pregnant. Pain management dealer (doctor) was afraid WD's would harm baby. Fortunately our 37 week 5.25 pound daughter did not have WD's. After birth of healthy baby, she abused pills immediately. Lost custody through CPS. Not being married made this a nightmare for me. Her mom(grandma) has custody. After 4.5 months she is going through WD's this weekend to get on Subs. I am supporting her. So much hurt and drama. So confused. Our daughter deserves better. But she is the MOM. Have to give her chance. Tough decision. Explore your options. Good Luck.
Ok, so yes take homes can be taken away, deff. Over a failed drug screen? Absolutely, right away. However idk some clinics don't let you have take homes if your dose isn't stable, however, I'm not sure they would just take away her take homes? Also, A baby born addicted to methadone DCF is automatically involved, if the baby tests for other substances, someone is most likely doing to have to take custody of that little girl. I'm sorry you're going through this. DCF was not something I wanted to deal with that's why RIGHT when I found out, I started decreasing!
Oh and BTW when the clinic found out I was pregnant, I had to sign a form saying j would attend all prenatal appointments, and I had to get my OBGYN to sign it as well. Hope that helps!
I found out I was pregnant in July and hadn't been in the methadone clinic for about a month. I was going there previously, but I supposedly missed 3 days in a row so my dose was at 0, and I had to see the doctor to get back on. I chose to stay off and started using again, but as soon as I found out I was pregnant I went back to the clinic the very next day and haven't used the entire time I've been back. I'm currently 35 weeks btw! My boyfriend was extremely concerned about being on methadone while I'm pregnant, and so was/am I. He wanted me to detox before I gave birth because he wasn't sure how it would affect the baby, didn't want her to spend time in the hospital, and didn't want DYFS involved. I saw the doctor at my clinic an expressed my concerns to her, and she told me it was actually WORSE to withdrawal while on methadone and she could actually get DYFS involved because I would purposely be harming my baby knowing the risks if I chose to detox. She explained everything to me and made me feel better about it, and told me there is a chance the baby will go through withdrawal but also told me there was a chance the baby wouldn't. She referenced a bunch of published medical articles and told me where I could find them to read about methadone and pregnancy. I chose to stay on and actually haven't had to go up on my dose (I've been on 45mg my whole pregnancy), but I'm honestly still super worried about being on it. I'm so scared of my baby feeling any type of withdrawal and having to stay in the hospital for an extended period of time, and I'm also SO scared about DYFS getting involved. The doctor told me that since I don't have any previous DYFS cases and that I've been clean since I've been back on the program that I shouldn't have a problem with DYFS, but if for some reason I do to let her know and she will personally talk to them and back me up. One thing I'm really scared about is one of my tests came back positive for opiates, and HONESTLY I have not touched a thing since I found out about my pregnancy! I even got take home bottles because of my clean urines, and they haven't taken them away. I have NO idea how or why it came back dirty, and I'm freaking out about it. I overheard a girl say her urine came back positive for coke, but she knows it was not possible because she used her 9 y/o daughter's urine (don't even get me started on that - it's so incredibly disgusting and wrong on so many levels, ugh!) so it shouldn't have come out positive for anything. I'm wondering if they could've possibly made a mistake or mixed up my urine or idk, something! All of my tests prior to that AND after have been clean, I've gone to all of my appointments and have done every thing I'm supposed to, I'm so scared that that test will mess everything up. I can't even think about it without tearing up because I don't want to not have my baby, and it's not fair because I haven't done anything. I have tried to do everything right and have changed so much for my child and I hope that shows. I also am hoping my baby won't experience withdrawal or very minimal because I can't stand to think that it's all my fault for making stupid decisions and getting caught up with b/s when I was younger. I will never forgive myself for this and will always feel guilty about it. I honestly don't know what to expect when I'm at the hospital have my beautiful child, but I'm extremely scared and nervous and cannot stand the thought of my baby feeling pain or not being able to take my baby home because of a test result that was CLEARLY a mistake on the clinic's part.
So sorry for the novel haha, but any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm from NJ btw, idk how different everything is from state to state, but absolutely any information would be amazing. Thanks in advance :]
So sorry for the novel haha, but any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm from NJ btw, idk how different everything is from state to state, but absolutely any information would be amazing. Thanks in advance :]
Newaunt, just wanted to first off say good luck and stay strong. Addiction is verry ugly, and we all seem to go about it a little differntly. Her methadone dose could be to high. I was on 130mg and feeling high. Now at 15mg an normal. She could be using b/c of her stress. But yes using and or missing appointments could cause her to lose a fase and have to go everyday. Keep an eye on her but also try to be understanding. An if you need to care for the baby. Good luck
As for me ive herd so many mixed answers on all differnt sites. If im at 15mg will i have to see my babby w/d
And im not smoking or using anything eles. Eating healthy working out taking prenatals, the best i could find.
ACasey,
PLEASE read all the previous info on methadone and pregnancy!! You will put yourself AND your baby in more peril if you start messing with your doses. Talk to your clinic counselor and your doctor.
Your baby and you will be fine but only if you do what's best for both of you.
Congratulations!!!
granny
PLEASE read all the previous info on methadone and pregnancy!! You will put yourself AND your baby in more peril if you start messing with your doses. Talk to your clinic counselor and your doctor.
Your baby and you will be fine but only if you do what's best for both of you.
Congratulations!!!
granny
Although I'm sure the lady that is given the info is going off her experience ONLY, let me tell yall my experience I have been on Methadone for 25 years and it has not only saved my life but has made me the person I am today, I don't think your life should stop once getting on methadone cause when your on methadone your in Recovery so my life actually began. Ive been married for almost 21 years and with him for almost 24 years, we have 5 amazing girls, 4 which were born on methadone. First I will start off by saying a newborn CAN NOT be born addicted only dependent, with that said only 50% of methadone babies go through NAS (withdrawals) some don't experience any withdrawals what so ever. I started out on 85 mlgs of methadone and got pregnant with my 16 year old and she was absolutely perfect she weighted 9 pounds 10 Oz and back then there was not a mandatory hospital stay of 5 days like it is today, so my 16 year old came home when I did NOT CPS was called and she did not experience any withdrawals at all. She has already graduated high school in June of 2015 and started college in August to become a veterinarian. My 11 year old, I had detoxed alittle and got pregnant with her on 60mlgs and since my 16 year old was so big they wanted to do a C-section with my 11 year old and since I wasn't fully aware of how everything worked I allowed them to (big mistake) she was born perfectly weighting 6 pounds 7 Oz 3 weeks early. I had to stay for 3 days since it was a C-Section and she came home with me on day 3, absolutely No withdrawals what so ever and No CPS. She's now in the 7th grade and is a very good student. Now go ahead a lot of years lol, at age 40 I get pregnant (still on 60mlgs of methadone) with twins, alot of things have changed now in the hospitals they are scoring your newborn, there is a 5 to 7 day mandatory hospital stay for the newborn and IT'S UP TO THE DOCTOR if they think CPS should be called, so I researched pediatricians that handeled babies born dependent that took my insurance and I sought out a pediatrician that I could get to know BEFORE my twins were born, cause I definitely didn't want my twins handed off to a doctor that knew absolutely nothing about my twins soon to be history of methadone in the utero, I met with the pediatrician and his team like 4 or 5 times before giving birth to make a "justin case plan" we both had decided "if" my twins went through withdrawals that methadone would be the medication that would be given to them, cause morphine took so long to detox from. Well I had my twins 6 weeks and 4 days early (not due to methadone) and they weighted 3.4 and 3.6 and went straight to the NICU. They done really good and the scoring system to me was a big joke, they scored babies on stuff that all newborns do everyday like sneezing, sleeping, eating to much, suckling on a pacifier etc etc I have a copy of that sheet and will leave my email if anyone wants a copy of it. Anyways if your newborn scores a 12 three times in a roll in a 4 hour block they start a "medication dose" (some hospitals are an 8) on day 4 my twins were put on .01mlgs of methadone 3 times a day than on day 6 they went down to .01mlgs 2 times a day than on day 8 they went to. 01mlgs 1 time a day after that I just had to wait until my beautiful girls got to 5 pounds to take them home, so on day 12 they were completely fine and ready to come home, and again NO CPS was called, I've heard many stories where CPS was called and have been told they just come out and make sure you have all you need for the baby and a place to live and they give you some resources it's not bad unless you make it bad and are doing other ILLEGAL stuff, My twins are now 3 years old and are very smart and active. Now I also have a group on facebook for mom or fathers or mom's that are pregnant on methadone or buprenorphine it's a group of great ladies some nurses that give out wonderful information on how to prevent your little one from going threw withdrawals like skin to skin touch, breastfeeding etc, and their stories on weather or not their babies went through withdrawals and their experiences at the hospital. I breastfed ALL 4 of my girls. I do have a 26 year old that was born on nothing and I've found absolutely no difference in them at all. Now I'm NOT A DOCTOR, I'm just someone that has experienced being pregnant several times on methadone and can give you MY experience, I will leave my email and if you want to know about the fb group you can email me, please note you can ask ANY question in this group and there is absolutely no bashing aloud in the group. Thanks for letting me tell you my experience and I hope for some of you to join me in the group. My email address is melody.deysi@gmail.com please feel free to email me if you have any questions or problems, I will help you all I can there are methadone avocates to help you if you have a bad experience while pregnant and I can give you those numbers. Remember methadone is a Recovering OPTION, it's much better than the alternative and your doing a wonderful job for you and your little one!
Melody
Melody
Hey gals, I'm so glad I saw this site, I am pregnant with my 2nd child & I'm still an addict altho I'm going to get the script 4 methadone at the end of the month so that I can make sure my child is not sick like the 1st child I had. My 1st child was taken away frm me at birth cuz of the drugs I took thru out my pregnancy & it was really hard 4 me so this time wil be different. I am scared cuz my craving for drugs is so much more wen I'm pregnant. Luckily my 1st born is wit my aunt altho she does make it difficult 4 me & the father of my child 2 be part of his life. He was hooked up to all these machines wen I had given birth & he only drank milk on the 3rd day. I felt like s*** & I know I deserved wat happened to me so I'm jus paying 4my mistake I suppose. Anyways this 2nd one was also a shock & a surprise cuz it's only been 1year since my 1st child was born. I am still addicted to heroin & I promised myself this one will be different. I felt like i failed my 1st born & I hate myself 4that. I wud like to know as well if any1 has experience wen changing to methadone frm heroin & being pregnant at the same time??? Pls tell me if u had a rough time or if it was quite easy? Pls don't judge me jus help me that's all I ask of yal. I hate myself enough already so if u can sympathise with me it wud help me get thru my ordeal. Thank u so much for all year support its really helped. Lovies angi baby
