Any Other Moms on Here Have Children While on Methadone?

I haven't dealt with this personally and I don't know anyone that had a child while on this treatment, but my brother just started taking Saboxone (sp?) for addiction to methadone. I'm wondering why you're still on it?? It was my understanding that this treatment was supposed to be short term to "wean" you off of it. I know this doesn't really help with your question and, quite honestly, I would see if you can find a specialist for your son that deals with this, but I would be more concerned that they are keeping you on this maintenance drug when the whole goal should be to get you clean. I'm sorry if this seems like I'm picking on you and I'm not trying to. I just know that I was skeptical of this treatment for my brother for the same reason, but his doctor has assured him that the goal is to try to get him off of it in 3-6 months. I'm sorry you're dealing with this and I pray your son is okay. Maybe your son will need glasses. If your pedi opthamologist doesn't get an answer, I would try to get a second opinion from another doc. You want to make sure you get him some help sooner rather than later. Good luck to you!

R.,
Just wanted to give you a shout out for 7+ years! Way to go!
Hopefully after the baby, you can complete your weaning off of methadone.
I know people who have been on methadone for 15+ years--and you're wise to wean. Congrats on the new baby!

My sister was prescribed morphine throughout her pregnancy and the regiment was the same as is with methadone (the dose increases as the pregnancy progresses.) Like your baby, my niece did not experience NAS. My niece, whom my husband and I raise (for 16 months), is now 4 years old. She is a healthy and bright kiddo. She walked at 15 months and had an ability to make complex noises (combinations of vowels and consonants) at around the same time. She chattered *constantly* and still does. She had a language explosion around 18-20 months old, where her few words and many sounds took form and she was speaking in full sentences almost over night.

I lived with a drug addicted (opiate) baby for several months who had some troubles. Her gross motor skills were severely delayed and she had serious stomach issues/indigestion for the first year of her life which meant that she was usually miserable and there were few ways to comfort her fully. I heard from her mother recently and both are doing well.

On addiction: The best book I've read is, "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts", by Gabor Mate, MD. There are a few portions that pertain to neonatal exposure and subsequent development.

Congratulations on almost being off of morphine. That's wonderful!

Total side note: In our area, there are several clinics that prescribe buprenorphine as a long term treatment and instead of methadone, especially individuals with dual diagnosis (specifically chronic pain + addiction). My understanding is that this has long been a treatment but not in the USA, and rather than it be used for four days during detox, it is used at a low and consistent dose for years. To my knowledge, it's still not approved for pregnant or nursing women. Anyway, I mention it simply because I'm excited about the trend. I think it's a fantastic option.

I don't know about methadone and babies but I wanted to respond just on the side of his verbal skills, the sound great! Both my boys didn't really start talking until like 18 months +. So the fact he has a few words and is babbling is perfect. I have seen that a lot of girls can talk sooner but my 4 year old has a huge vocabulary and was not an early talker. My 21 month old is now making little sentences, but started with just mama at around 18-19 months or so. So on that point, I see no link to methadone or any delay, in my opinion. Take care!y