BABIES BORN TO DRUG ADDICT MOTHERS HAVE DOUBLED IN LAST FIVE YEARS

The number of babies born to drug addicted mothers has almost doubled
in the last five years, it has been revealed.

Last year there were 1,970 women who were addicted to drugs at the
time of the birth, compared to 1,057 back in 2003.

Of those 1,970 women with a drug dependency, 1,211 babies were born
with their mother's addiction as the habit was passed on whilst the
baby was still in the womb.

It means that every day five drug addict mums give birth to a baby
and of those births three babies will suffer the withdrawal symptoms
of their mother's addiction.

The symptoms associated with babies who are addicted to drugs are a
loud, high-pitched crying, sweating and stomach upsets.

These babies often need specialised care in hospital before they are
allowed home and on occasions are taken from their mothers and placed in care.

Last year there were 82 pregnant women addicted to alcohol, a rise
from 62 the previous year, and only 22 back in 2003.

Pregnant women dependant on heroin or other opioids was up to a
staggering 1,059, almost double that of the 535 in 2003.

Thirty-two women gave birth whist hooked on cocaine, 641 were
addicted to tobacco and 100 pregnant women gave birth whilst
dependant on cannabis.

Association of Radical Midwives spokesperson, Sarah Montague, said of
the possible effects for a baby born to addiction: "It really depends
on what kind of drugs the mother is addicted to.

"The difficulties of withdrawal from hard drugs may be exacerbated by
pregnancy and many of the substitutes such as methadone carry their
own problems for neonates.

"For instance, the half-life of methadone is longer than the
half-life of heroin, so the baby may exhibit problems for longer. I'm
not surprised the numbers are going up.

"The number of units offering continuity of care is decreasing, as
well as fewer units having the resources to have specialist teams for
drug-dependent mothers.

"It is difficult for mothers to admit to drug dependency if they
never meet the same midwife twice.

"It is also difficult to institute meaningful support programmes for
them without consistent support."

Harry Shapiro, spokesman for Drugscope, the UK's leading drug
information charity, said: "Obviously, it is of great concern that
any child should be born suffering from neonatal withdrawal symptoms.

"Fortunately, with the right hospital care, most babies will recover
without suffering long term damage.

"For this to happen, it's vital that women receive appropriate care
and support from antenatal staff.

"If female drug users experience discrimination from healthcare
professionals, they will be less likely to come forward for proper
care, putting both mother and baby at risk."

Mervi Jokinen, the Royal College of Midwives Practice & Standards
Development Advisor, said: "Of course, we are concerned by these statistics.

"Through anecdotal information from midwives, the RCM has been aware
of the increasing need for midwives to target the vulnerable pregnant
population, including women with a history of drug abuse.

"These women not only have complex health and social needs but their
lifestyles can have adverse outcomes on their pregnancy and baby.

"The RCM supports midwives working with their obstetric colleagues
and other agencies to ensure that an individual care plan is in place
to optimize agreed outcomes, including discussions with the woman.

"But most importantly the midwife is not there to criticise the
woman, who could be a recreational or even prescription drug user.

"The midwife is there to support the woman and and help them to
improve their complex life and the long-term outcomes for her baby."