Welcoming a baby is a profound joy, but it’s natural to have concerns when considering adopting a baby with neonatal opioid withdrawal in utero.
These children are infinitely deserving of love, and American Adoptions provides the expert support, clear information, and transparent process that adoptive families need to confidently navigate this unique path.
Ready to explore this adoption journey? Contact us now to learn more about adopting a baby with this condition.
What Is Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)?
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) is a temporary, treatable medical diagnosis for infants who experience withdrawal symptoms after birth due to prenatal opioid exposure.
This response is physical, not behavioral. The baby’s central nervous system, which became dependent on the substance while in the womb, reacts when the drug is no longer present. For prospective adoptive parents, understanding NOWS is key.
American Adoptions provides guidance to help you focus on the beautiful outcome: bringing your child home.
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) vs. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a clear difference between them.
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is the broader clinical diagnosis for withdrawal symptoms caused by exposure to any substance in utero, including alcohol, prescription medications, benzodiazepines, or illegal drugs.
- Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) is the specific term used when the withdrawal symptoms are caused by prenatal exposure to opioids.
Because opioid use during pregnancy has become so prevalent, the term NOWS is often used to describe this specific condition, though NAS remains the broader clinical diagnosis.
How Is Neonatal Withdrawal Scored and Treated?
The clinical side of NOWS involves careful scoring and management to ease the infant’s transition.
Hospitals typically use a neonatal withdrawal score (most commonly the Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System) to assess the severity of symptoms, which include:
- Tremors, high-pitched crying, irritability
- Feeding difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea
- Fever, sweating, yawning
Treatment begins with non-pharmacological interventions like swaddling, frequent soothing, and a low-stimulation environment.
If symptoms are severe, the baby may be treated with medication (such as morphine or methadone) to slowly and safely manage the withdrawal until they can function normally without drug dependency.
What It’s Like to Adopt a Baby with NOWS
Adopting a baby with NOWS is absolutely possible, and the experience is often defined by love, patience, and realistic expectations.
While the initial picture may not be the traditional “love at first sight” moment, it quickly evolves into a deeply personal journey of commitment and proactive bonding.
It’s important to understand that your relationship with your child is built on commitment, not just instantaneous connection.
Focusing on providing a supportive, secure presence during this difficult initial period is the most important step in the adoption journey.
Adopting a baby with NOWS is possible, and the experience is often defined by love, patience, and realistic expectations.
The NICU Stay: What Adoptive Parents Can Expect
Expect that your baby will likely need time in the hospital, often in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
This hospitalization period, while potentially stressful, allows for crucial early bonding while the baby receives expert medical care.
Adoptive parents are often encouraged to participate in the baby’s care during hospitalization, which can include feeding, cuddling, and comforting.
Your American Adoptions specialist can provide guidance on navigating hospital policies, helping you understand your rights and the expected timeline for discharge.
This period of focused care allows for crucial early bonding, even while the baby is receiving medical treatment.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of NAS
Understanding the long term effects of NAS (or NOWS) is a common concern for adoptive families.
Short-Term Effects of NOWS
The most visible short-term effects occur immediately after birth and during treatment.
These often include severe feeding difficulties, disturbances in the sleep/wake cycle, and irritability.
These symptoms are a temporary part of the withdrawal process and typically resolve once the baby is medically stable and discharged from the hospital.
Potential Long-Term Effects and The Role of Early Intervention
While the majority of babies successfully recover, some studies suggest a potential link between prenatal opioid exposure and later developmental delays in areas such as language, motor skills, or behavior.
However, it is challenging to separate the effects of the drug from other factors, such as underlying medical conditions, genetic predisposition, and the stability of the child’s home environment.
The most critical intervention for any potential delay is early intervention services, which can significantly mitigate challenges and help the child thrive.
How to Care for a Baby with Opioid Withdrawal at Home
Caring for a baby with opioid withdrawal at home after discharge focuses on creating a stable, supportive environment that minimizes overstimulation.
While every baby is different, key differences in after-discharge routines and care guidance often include:
- Gentle, rhythmic movements, frequent holding, and attentive, consistent swaddling are crucial to calm the baby’s easily irritated nervous system.
- Some babies may still struggle with feeding (poor latch, vomiting), requiring extra patience, specialized bottles, or a referral to a feeding specialist.
- Regular follow-up with a pediatrician specializing in high-risk newborns or developmental services is essential to monitor growth and development.
- The constant, demanding nature of this care can be exhausting. Establishing a strong support system is vital to prevent burnout and ensure the baby’s primary attachment figure remains rested and present.
Do Babies with NAS Grow Up to Be Okay?
Yes, the vast majority of children born with NAS/NOWS grow up to be okay, leading healthy, productive lives.
Long-term research suggests that a stable, nurturing environment, consistent medical support, and early intervention are the most significant factors in positive outcomes.
These positive outcomes speak to the strength of children and the effectiveness of dedicated parenting
Should You Adopt a Baby with Neonatal Withdrawal? Questions to Ask Yourself
No one can answer this question but you. Every adoption situation is unique, and only you know what is right for your family and your emotional readiness.
To help determine if this unique path is right for you, consider asking yourself the following questions:
- Emotional Readiness: Are you prepared to delay the immediate gratification of bringing a newborn home and instead focus on spending time in the NICU?
- Available Resources: Do you have the financial, time, and logistical resources to dedicate to potentially intensive medical follow-up, physical therapy, or early intervention services?
- Family Support System: Do you have a robust support system (family, friends, or a dedicated agency) to help prevent caregiver burnout during the demanding early months?
- Commitment to Transparency: Are you committed to being an advocate for your child’s medical and educational needs throughout their life?
Stories from Families Like You
Kelly and Jim’s Adoption Story
Hearing from parents who have already walked this journey, like Kelly and Jim, can be incredibly helpful. The challenges are real, but so is the profound reward.
After six months of being an active adoptive family, Kelly and Jim received an email: a baby, Mason, had been born the day before with heroin exposure.
Though it was outside their initial preferences, they chose to accept the situation within the hour, demonstrating the radical empathy at the heart of their decision.
Kelly spoke about Mason’s birth mother with compassion, saying, “She is a good person in a bad situation… She was so thankful and appreciative that we were willing to take him.”
Kelly and Jim recommend doing your research on the effects of drug exposure. Kelly also offered this perspective on the adoption wait: “It’s not a blue light special at K-Mart. It’s your child, and it’s a lifelong relationship. And you want that to be the perfect situation for you, for your child, and for the birth mother.”
How American Adoptions Supports Families Through Opioid-Exposed Adoptions
American Adoptions approaches all adoptions with evidence-based guidance and proactive support, especially in complex cases like NOWS.
If you are interested in adopting a baby born addicted to opioids and are prepared to do so, you can indicate your openness to this on their APQ (Adoption Planning Questionnaire). This allows us to show your profile to birth mothers who may be facing this situation.
Our specialists can also:
- Answer your questions as they pertain to adoption
- Provide referrals and helpful resources for connecting with medical experts.
- Ensure transparent communication with the birth mother regarding prenatal care and medical history.
Ready to Learn More About Opioid-Exposed Infant Adoption?
While the challenges of NOWS are real, the opportunity to provide a loving, stable home to a child who needs it most is truly remarkable.
If you are prepared to meet a child’s needs with comprehensive support and boundless love, American Adoptions is ready to be your guide.
Ready to discuss your options? Fill out our quick form to speak with a specialist about adopting a baby with this condition.
