[pshamrick]

Kinship/Foster/Grandparent... Right now, I'm not too sure just what I am.

We got two grandchildren the day after Christmas 2006 through Kinship care. Now they are turning into Foster Care. Last week the bomb shell was given that the drug baby that is due in May/June/July will be placed with the other two. I feel pressured to take the baby and finally caved in. CW wants the keep the sib together. I have agreed to try.

We will not know just what drugs the mother has taken until the infant is born. The birthdate has changed from Sept to May or June, so I'm not sure when to expect delivery.
What am I to expect with a drug baby and what help can I get.

[mommytoEli]

what to expect: possibe withdrawls, sleep apnea from being born premature) happens often with drugs), tremors or shaking, sleepless nights in the beginning, a baby that wants to be held 24-7, or not at all. it is hard to say. all drugs are different, and all babies are different. both of our foster/drug babies were born addicted to meth, and both were different. the first was hard only for hte 1st 3 months, and then we was an easy baby, but very sick. the second was very healthy, and for the 4 months i had him parenting him was one of hte hardest things i had ever done. i would give it a try. if the siblings can stay together, that is best....and you may have minimal problems that are temporary.

help you can get: check with your state, but that baby should be eligible for WIC (free formula), no-cost medical, and no-cost early intervention services. the early intervention services would be provided by your local school district and/or social services department if your baby qualified. between all of this, you should have access to any and all specialist that the baby required....including physical therapy (sometimes needed for drug babies with poor muscle tone) or assistance with developmental delays.

[mj77]

Keep in mind, many mothers who never use drugs still have children with challenges, and some mothers who use drugs, their children come out fine.

I have 2 boys. One exposed to methamphetamine, cocaine and alcohol. He has a normal IQ, is right on target but has ADHD.

My younger son was exposed to at least methamphetamine and has some processing issues but is sooo sweet and smart, motor skills and social are all on target. His comprehention is fine, he just takes longer to process new information. He is still young and there's lots of hope for him.

Both boys benifited greatly with EI (early intervention services). I don't look at my boys and ever see drug babies. Our youngest did have withdrawls and screamed a lot and didn't like to be on his back and wanted to eat constantly. The screams were the worst but they passed.

I know the unknown is scary. I've seen babies have more significant problems. I had heard Anna Nichole Smith's little baby had tremors from methadone withdrawls. But I digress, I imagine sleeping issues might be an issue. Keep the baby swaddled, watch for sensitivity to light. SOmetimes these babies need a dark room with white noice in the background and swaddled. I'll say a prayer for this little one's developing life.