1. Sean Maloney, M.A.,LMHC

2. Characteristics of Drug Exposed Infants Factors Influencing Effects of Prenatal Exposure Interventions

3. http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/28/health/drug-babies/ Higher risk for: Prematurity Low Birth Weight Small Head Circumference

4. Irritability Tremors Difficult to console Increased muscle tone Decreased muscle tone

5. Difficulty regulating state/rapid state changes Unresponsiveness Prolonged crying, high-pitched crying Easily overstimulated Feeding problems

6. Sleeping problems Gaze aversion Excessive yawning and/or sneezing Difficulty regulating body temperature. Relatively rare.

7. Drugs of Choice Purity - Concentration - Toxins - Method of delivery

8. When taken in pregnancy How long taken - Mother’s tolerance - General physical health

9. Fetal levels - Does it cross the placental barrier? Fetal metabolism

11. Babies communicate with us What precedes crying episodes? Try one thing at a time

12. Support child. Help them feel physically secure. Hold firmly Use a snugli, front pack, etc. Swaddle

13. Avoid: Loud or sudden noises Perfumes/ Strong fragrances Bright lights Temperature fluctuations

14. Try: - “White Noise” - Swing - Gentle touch - Introduce only one stimulus at a time

15. Try smaller amounts of food more often Be careful not to overfeed Use pacifier instead of bottle for comforting

16. Rule out delays Early intervention makes a difference! PT/OT for muscle tone issues Speech and language therapy starting with feeding issues. Social interaction

17. Neurological issues

18. Discuss with your physician.