Can I Bring My Newborn To Drug Rehab?

Yes, you can bring your newborn with you to an addiction treatment center but only if the facility offers specialized programs for mothers and their babies. Treatment programs designed to provide addiction care for pregnant and postpartum women also usually provide infant care due to the effects of addiction on the baby both before and after birth.

Facilities that provide this type of specialized care can help if the newborn is experiencing withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Addiction Treatment Centers That Accept Mothers And Newborns

Drug rehab centers that make it possible for mothers to seek treatment with their newborns make it easier for many new moms to access addiction care, including single mothers. Knowing that your baby is nearby, safe, and cared for can help ease stress and anxiety, making it easier to focus on recovery.

These residential facilities, where mom and baby live onsite, can help provide basic care for infants, such as feeding, as well as frequent health check-ups from licensed nurses on staff.

Services Available For Newborns

Some newborns to mothers with drug or alcohol addiction may be at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms or other health complications. Addiction treatment centers that treat mothers with newborns often provide monitoring of vital signs and other general healthcare services for the baby.

This may include monitoring for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and providing treatment if required.

What To Do If You Cannot Bring Your Newborn To Treatment With You

In the case that you cannot bring your baby to a residential addiction treatment center with you, other options are available. Mothers with mild to moderate addictions may be suited for outpatient programs, where treatment is provided for a set number of hours per week but clients remain living at home.

In these cases, childcare services might be provided by the treatment centers, or you can look into seeking help from your spouse, parents, siblings, or other family members or friends. If this type of social support isn’t available, look into other resources for new mothers, including the Early Head Start program for low-income families, which provides care for infants up to children 3 years of age.

Benefits Of Mother-Baby Treatment Programs

Keeping mothers and newborns together during addiction treatment offers significant advantages for both parent and child. These programs recognize that separating a mother from her baby can create additional stress and anxiety that may interfere with recovery. When mothers can bond with their babies while receiving treatment, they’re more likely to complete the program and maintain long-term sobriety.

Mother-baby programs also provide crucial parenting education and support during a vulnerable time. Many new mothers struggling with addiction may lack confidence in their parenting abilities or have concerns about their baby’s health. These specialized facilities offer parenting classes, breastfeeding support, and instruction on infant care basics like feeding schedules, safe sleep practices, and recognizing signs of illness.

Having access to medical professionals who can answer questions and provide reassurance helps mothers build the skills and confidence they need to care for their children after treatment.

How To Find Mother-Baby Treatment Programs

Finding an addiction treatment center that accepts mothers with newborns requires some research, but several resources can help. Start by contacting the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline, which provides free, confidential referrals to treatment facilities in your area, including those with mother-baby programs. You can also use SAMHSA’s online treatment locator and filter results to show facilities that accept pregnant and postpartum women.

Your healthcare provider, including your OB-GYN or pediatrician, may also have recommendations for local programs. If you have insurance, contact your insurance company to ask about covered facilities that offer mother-baby programs. Many states also have specific programs for pregnant and postpartum women through their Department of Health or social services agencies.

Don’t hesitate to call multiple facilities and ask detailed questions about their services, including what infant care is provided, whether medical staff are available 24/7, and what the living arrangements look like.