"drug babies" Parenting Meth Exposed Babies via Adoption or Foster Care,

There is a generation of children being born to methamphetamine-addicted mothers. Many of these "drug babies" are the children become wards of the state as their parents struggle to overcome an addiction that deprives them of a normal life and their children.

The vast majority of drug babies (specifically meth exposed babies) look normal, but they may only sleep an hour a night. They can have tremors, muscle stiffness, and trouble gripping. No one knows how much to blame meth alone, since most users also abuse alcohol, marijuana and tobacco.

In April, Dr. Rizwan Shah—a pediatrician who has been studying meth-exposed children since 1993—released findings from a study that showed:

  • nearly 20 percent of meth-exposed infants fell below the 10th percentile for weight;

  • more than one-third experienced feeding problems, often due to a poor suck or swallow reflex;
  • 25 percent of pregnant meth users studied delivered babies pre-term; and
  • breathing problems, including sleep apnea, as well as over- or under-sensitivity to stimulation were common.

Before welcoming a newborn home, caregivers should learn if he was exposed to alcohol or drugs besides meth. They should also learn infant CPR and be trained on equipment—like an apnea or heart monitor or feeding tube—that comes home with the baby. Once home, caregivers should closely watch for any signs of distress that might signal a breathing problem. Some other ideas:

  • Monitor the baby’s sensitivity to different stimuli. If he complains when a bright light is turned on, keep lighting softer. If he kicks off his blanket, bed him down in a one-piece sleeper.
  • If hypersensitivity to light or sound keeps the baby from sleeping, keep her sleeping environment dark and quiet.

  • If the baby is constantly fussy, consider “wearing” the baby in a soft carrier. Because babies are sensitive to caregivers’ emotions, close proximity to a consciously tranquil and caring parent can ease distress and promote bonding.
  • By the same token, avoid passing meth-exposed babies around to strangers. Seeing new face after new face can be over-stimulating and disconcerting.
  • Introduce changes (noise, light, smells, environment, people) gradually.

  • Consult with the baby’s pediatrician before giving any medication, particularly any drug with ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, a component of meth.

    • Parenting Meth-Exposed Children

    Based on her research, Dr. Shah says 6 to 18 months of age is a relatively symptom free time for meth-exposed babies. Early breathing and excessive fussing problems can dissipate as the meth-exposed child approaches his second birthday.

    As the toddler matures, however, parents may notice continuing problems with sensory integration dysfunction (a child’s inability to process sensory input correctly), and more trouble with paying attention, controlling anger, and having aggressive outbursts. Once the child enters a more structured school setting, learning difficulties may become evident.

    Overall, behaviors are consistent with those exhibited by many foster children, so caregivers must be ready to advocate for the child at school and seek other services that can help each child, given his specific challenges, to manage life more effectively. For example:

    • If a child has a sensory integration dysfunction, track his behavior and note what may have provoked the behavior. If a child rejects certain clothing, fabric, or food textures, he may be hypersensitive to touch. An aversion to loud noises would signal auditory hypersensitivity, and conversely, under-sensitivity to body movement could provoke a child to strive for perpetual motion.
    • When you find out what causes certain behaviors, try to avoid the triggers and teach others to do the same. The child might also benefit from a sensory integration evaluation and occupational therapy. When treated at a young age, some children can gain better control over their sensory perceptions.

    • Because attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-like symptoms can stem from sensory integration problems, check that possibility before seeking behavioral therapy or medicine. If ADHD is diagnosed, practice positive reinforcement, seek classroom accommodations, and consider programs where the child can have more individual attention.
    • If speech delays are causing temper tantrums, introduce sign language.
    • Learn to decipher messages behind behaviors. Children who prolong the bedtime ritual, for example, may unknowingly fear abandonment. When you know why your child is acting out, it is much easier to be objective and keep situations from escalating.

    • Bring the whole family to therapy. Your child’s issues must be addressed within the context of living with you.
    • Consider options for schooling. Alissa, whose two youngest children were exposed to meth in utero, is home schooling them. She knows that the children, who are prone to infections and have trouble focusing, are much less likely to catch colds at home, will be spared damaging labels like bad or stupid, and will not pick up undesirable behaviors from other kids at school.

    North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)
    970 Raymond Avenue, Suite 106
    St. Paul, MN 55114

    phone: 651-644-3036
    fax: 651-644-9848
    e-mail: info@nacac.org
    Feedback     Additional Articles on drug babies, meth exposed babies, adoption, foster care
    Back to Parenting Resources


    footer for drug babies page