DONATE NOW
Donate
Volunteer

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.

Newborn baby in NICU with medical monitors, sleeping peacefully on a white blanket.

RECENT POSTS

Nonprofit of the Month: Hushabye Nursery

June 24, 2026 |

Fabulous Arizona named Hushabye Nursery its Nonprofit of the Month. The feature shows how founder Tara Sundem’s care model has helped more than 1,100 opioid-exposed newborns and their families since 2020. Sundem talks about breaking down stigma and the nursery’s 2026 goals. She also shares how the community can get involved before the Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Gala on Nov. 7.

read more

WATCH: Hushabye Nursery celebrates five years

November 17, 2025 |

ABC15’s Uplifting Arizona marks Hushabye Nursery’s five-year anniversary. Since opening in 2020, the Phoenix nursery has cared for more than 1,100 substance-exposed babies in a calm, safe setting. It has also grown to offer parenting and recovery support for moms and dads.

read more

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Event

December 11, 2024 |

Hushabye Nursery’s “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” fundraising event returned for a second year to celebrate more than 800 babies and their families who have been assisted by the organization while raising $315,000 to support the Hushabye Nursery mission to embrace substance exposed babies and their caregivers with compassionate, evidence-based care that positively changes the course of their entire lives.

read more

Mobile health center offering prenatal care to underserved communities in Phoenix

June 20, 2024 |

AZFamily covers the new Mom and Baby Mobile Health Center from March of Dimes. The clinic brings prenatal care to underserved Phoenix communities, with or without insurance. ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation and Wesley Community and Health Centers are partners, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona funds it. Every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the clinic parks at Hushabye Nursery on McDowell Road.

read more

Hushabye Nursery helps newborns going through drug withdrawals

July 6, 2023 |

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