What is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?

April 6, 2021

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) refers to symptoms of withdrawal that babies may have if their mothers used or abused substances during pregnancy. Signs of withdrawal most commonly are a result of opiate exposure such as Heroin, Codeine, Oxycodone (Oxycontin), Methadone or Buprenorphine. Symptoms of withdrawal may present as early as 24-48 hours after birth, or as late as 10 days of age.

NAS symptoms can include painful tremors; excessive crying and irritability; and problems with sleeping, feeding, and breathing. NAS is associated with myriad risk factors that could affect the well-being and development of a newborn. NAS is responsible for profound social cost and human suffering. From 2004 to 2014, NAS prevalence increased 433%, accounting for $2.9 billion in hospitalization costs (Boston Medical Center, 2018) straining national healthcare systems.

The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated opioid use disorder and incidences of overdose increased by approximately 30% nationwide, making Hushabye Nursery’s best practice NAS care services even more essential.

RECENT POSTS

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Event 2024

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
October 26, 2024 at 5:00 PM

We are so excited to invite you to partner in Hushabye Nursery’s Second Annual fundraising event, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.

Cocktail Reception 5:00 PM
Dinner & Event 6:00 to 9:00 PM

read more

Hushabye Nursery helps newborns going through drug withdrawals

Hushabye Nursery in Phoenix offers one-on-one care for opioid-dependent newborns going through the painful process of drug withdrawals. It is one of the few recovery centers of its kind helping moms, and caretakers, too, who are actively trying to get clean.

We were honored to be featured on ABC 15 where our founder Tara Sundem shares how we put this mission into practice!

read more

This Phoenix nursery does what hospitals cannot, and it needs you

Most babies with NAS are treated in the neonatal intensive care unit. NICU teams do amazing work, and countless families owe their children’s lives to those dedicated nurses and doctors. But NICUs are not set up to treat babies with NAS. Hushabye Nursery in Phoenix is. NAS is what they treat. It’s all they treat. 24/7.

read more

Local nonprofit working to help babies, parents in opioid withdrawals

Since they opened, Hushabye Nursery has helped about 600 families through inpatient and outpatient care, according to executive director Tara Sundem. They care for babies 24/7 through soothing techniques and try not to do nonpharmacological treatments, though they do have medicine for the babies that may need it.

read more

Phoenix nursery provides model solution for newborns exposed to opioids

In central Phoenix, Hushabye Nursery is home to babies born withdrawing from addictive substances they were exposed to in the womb. They spend their first days of life in dimly lit rooms equipped with cribs, changing tables and adult-size beds so their parents, many of whom are still in recovery, can stay with them. Framed prints on the walls read: Inhale. Exhale.

read more