Opioid-Exposed Babies: A New Approach to Treatment
On learning last year she was pregnant with her second child, Cailyn Morreale was overcome with fear and trepidation. “I was so scared,” said Morreale, a resident of the small western North Carolina town of Mars Hill. In that moment, her joy about being pregnant was eclipsed by fear she would have to stop taking buprenorphine, a drug used to treat opioid withdrawal that had helped counter her addiction.
A Shift in Approach
For decades, most doctors have relied on medication-heavy regimens to treat babies who are born experiencing neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Those protocols often meant separating newborns from their mothers, placing them in neonatal intensive care units, and giving them medications to treat their withdrawal. However, research has since indicated that in many, if not most, cases, those extreme measures are unnecessary.
Eat, Sleep, Console: A New Protocol
Instead, a newer, simpler approach that prioritizes keeping babies with their families is being increasingly embraced. The Eat, Sleep, Console (ESC) protocol deems babies OK to be sent home so long as they’re eating, sleeping, and consolable when upset. This approach is not only more effective but also more humane, allowing mothers to bond with their babies and reducing the risk of postpartum depression.
The Role of Skin-to-Skin Contact
Research suggests that immediate postbirth skin-to-skin contact offers “vital advantages” to short- and long-term health and bonding. This contact “releases endorphins for mom,” which helps lower the risk of postpartum depression. As Leila Elder, a family medicine physician, said, “It releases endorphins for mom, which helps lower the risk of postpartum depression.” This approach also reduces the risk of complications and promotes a sense of calm and well-being for both mothers and babies.
A Shift in Perspective
Matthew Grossman, an associate professor of pediatrics at the Yale School of Medicine, refers to the introduction of the ESC model of treatment as “the least innovative” undertaking imaginable. “The original intent of the Finnegan tool wasn’t to render the process so rigid,” he said. “But everybody is excited to have a tool, and then this approach calcified around it.” The shift in approach fits into a wider move toward judgment-free, family-centered care for those who’ve experienced addiction and for their children.
Conclusion
The Eat, Sleep, Console protocol is a significant shift in the way we treat opioid-exposed babies. By prioritizing family-centered care, we can reduce the risk of complications, promote a sense of calm and well-being, and empower mothers to care for their infants. This approach is not only more effective but also more humane, allowing mothers to bond with their babies and reducing the risk of postpartum depression.
FAQs
What is the Eat, Sleep, Console protocol?
The Eat, Sleep, Console protocol is a newer, simpler approach to treating babies who are born experiencing neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. It prioritizes keeping babies with their families and deems babies OK to be sent home so long as they’re eating, sleeping, and consolable when upset.
What are the benefits of the Eat, Sleep, Console protocol?
The Eat, Sleep, Console protocol has several benefits, including reducing the risk of complications, promoting a sense of calm and well-being, and empowering mothers to care for their infants. It also reduces the risk of postpartum depression and promotes a sense of bonding between mothers and babies.
What is the difference between the Eat, Sleep, Console protocol and the Finnegan protocol?
The Eat, Sleep, Console protocol is a more flexible and humane approach to treating opioid-exposed babies, while the Finnegan protocol is a more rigid and medication-heavy approach. The Finnegan protocol often results in babies being separated from their mothers and placed in neonatal intensive care units, which can be distressing for both mothers and babies.
How does the Eat, Sleep, Console protocol work?
The Eat, Sleep, Console protocol works by prioritizing family-centered care and reducing the risk of complications. It involves keeping babies with their mothers, promoting skin-to-skin contact, and providing a calm and nurturing environment. This approach reduces the risk of postpartum depression and promotes a sense of bonding between mothers and babies.
What are the long-term effects of the Eat, Sleep, Console protocol?
The long-term effects of the Eat, Sleep, Console protocol are still being studied, but preliminary results suggest that it promotes a sense of calm and well-being, reduces the risk of postpartum depression, and empowers mothers to care for their infants. It also reduces the risk of complications and promotes a sense of bonding between mothers and babies.
