[hope.4.Ali]

Katy,

Below are some links to information on cocaine effects.


Cocaine Use During Pregnancy

Using Illegal Drugs during Pregnancy : American Pregnancy Association

Illicit Drug Use During Pregnancy - March of Dimes

[inhiswill]

katy,

just wanted to say I am praying for you today Keep us posted!!!

[longingforadaughter]

Oh Katy I wish you the best as you try to decide. Will be watching for updates.

Debbie

[missw005]

Hi Katy,
Both of my boys were positive - and one was addicted. He had withdrawls, minor health issues when he was a newborn because of it.
My "positive" boy was developmentally delayed, but you'd never guess it today!
My "addicted" boy is smaller than most boys his age, though he's catching up a little bit. He's short-tempered, and was very irritable as a baby. He also had developmental delays. Many drug-addicted kids have learning disabilities later in life. Some (like my J) have ADD/ADHD, but tons of kids have that regardless.
Would I take another drug exposed/addicted baby? In a heartbeat! But like other posters mentioned, it's the alcohol you've got to watch for. Fetal alcohol is something that can NEVER be reversed, with love, extra help, anything. It's a lifetime. And it's not easy to tell at birth what their future prognosis will be.
I work at a school with many FAE/S kids - some you can tell right away, some you can't. I had one boy who was 21 but will be a 5 yr old forever. The sweetest boy, to be sure, but with a child's mind. I had several with learning disabilities, and who learned differently than the other kids. I had several who were a few grade levels lower than the other kids school-wise, are great kids, very sweet and loving, but will never be able to live independently as adults. So alcohol exposure is MUCH bigger than drug exposure anyday.
I'd really look at the baby's Apgar scores and see what his/her withdrawl symptoms are. Withdrawl is NOT easy for the child or the parents, and that can be a lot of stress for a parent to deal with.
(just reread my post....)
I'm not trying to be negative, just realistic. But like I said, I'd take drugs over alcohol any day!!! And my boys are wonderful boys.....bright, funny, loving, curious, energetic......it just may take them a little bit longer to learn things, or in a different way.

I'm really excited for you!!! You know we're all here for you whatever you choose!

Sandy

[mrskt]

Thank you for the well-wishes, everyone!

Sandy - I particularly appreciate your input!

We don't know any more today than we did yesterday evening, and probably won't until tomorrow, but we have decided to pursue it and see what happens. Mom has a recent diagnosis of major depression with psychotic features and schizoaffective disorder, after a recent suicide attempt. We are trying to sort out how much of it is likely to be related to her long term drug use, and what's true mental illness. Apparently no one else in the family has had a history of mental illness.

We are hoping to get more information about the baby's current status in the morning.

Thanks for propping us up - this is far harder to decide than I ever imagined it would be... we are so ready to be parents, and I would so love a little girl, and with her being born here in Arkansas, we wouldn't have to go through ICPC... I'm really struggling with not letting all of those things sway me into disregarding the concerns of the drug use and mental health issues.

Hugs,
Katy

[missw005]

Katy,
I've considered kids before who had birthparents/family with major mental illness - and the gist I got from doctors and specialists is that while there is a small percentage that is inherited, being a drug addict is a MAJOR player in developing and/or bringing out mental illness.
You might want to discuss bmom's exact mental issues with your doc/pediatrician to see what they think. But I will say that not having mental illness history in the birthfamily is promising.
Katy, this is really exciting!!! I am really really happy for you!!!!!!!

Sandy

[devildogwife]

Katy-I think it's just great that you decided to pursue this. Can't wait to hear what happens!

As for me, I'm pretty darn annoyed with myself. I just splashed hand sanitizer into my eye. Yep-sanitizer. That burns.....The nurses on my son's floor had me flush my eye for 10 minutes and they've talked to poison control. I just may end up across the street in the ER. Not what I wanted to spend my afternoon doing.

We're hoping Cameron will still be able to have his surgery tomorrow, but there are 2 new babies who might need to have their surgery before him. I'm really hoping he doesn't get bumped, but I'll understand if he does. It'll just be such a relief to get this over with.

[mrskt]

I've worked with enough adult drug addicts who also are diagnosed with mental illness to wonder pretty frequently about the strength of the connection - it very much appears to be there - but it's still an intimidating thing to consider, you know?

DDW - that sounds like something DH or I would do!!!! DH actually accidently snorted tabasco up his nose (yes, really) and ended up having an anaphylactic(sp?) reaction and was taken to the ER! Hope it's less of an issue than they are expecting and Cam is able to have surgery as scheduled tomorrow!!!

Katy

[leenie71]

DDW, thinking of you and hoping that everything goes tomorrow as planned....and sorry about the hand sanitizer in the eye! Are you OK?

Katy, best of luck with the situation!

mdesi, I always feel that way....we've now been waiting about 4 months and it feels like forever already. Just trying to be patient, but it does get tough some days. I just can't imagine it ever happening, although being on this thread helps me realize that it will someday. I hope so anyway!

[HappyHopefulMommy]

Oh Katy - I am so excited for you. Since we are doingfost/adopt almost every child in the system is born drug exposed. I guess the good thing about the way we are doing it is that the child(ren) will be a little older and we will be able to see more of the side affects. I hope this works out for you. Can't wait for an update.

DDW - That sounds like it hurt. I am sorry. I hope all stays on schedule for Cameron tomorrow. I'll be thinking of you guys.

[Tigger2]

DDW~ Best wishes for you and Cameron tomorrow. Keep us posted! Hope your eye is okay. Thoughts and prayers are with you!

[missw005]

Hey DDW, today's the day!!!!

I'm hoping your eyes are working better today so you can see Cam come through his surgery beautifully!

My thoughts are with your brave family today (well, and every day, but especially today!) and I hope his recovery is quick and as pain-free as possible.

Keep us updated!!!!

,
Sandy

[rraiford]

We have been placed! We got the call on my cell phone while my husband and I were driving to a wedding down at the shore. I am elated. My husband is excited and terrified.
Regina

[leenie71]

Congrats Regina! I think you live in the same area as me....Delco? I posted to you on another thread as well. I'm very happy for you!

Let's keep the matches coming, ladies

[FullQuiverMamma]

yay Regina!!

best wishes and keep us posted...