Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Program

Our Specialized Care

baby sleeping in bedOur Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Program is specially designed to help infants overcome the serious health effects of prenatal exposure to drugs in utero. They often have serious health effects and undergo a withdrawal process after they are born. Upon admission, infants at risk for NAS are carefully monitored by highly skilled clinicians for signs consistent with withdrawal and development. Based on the results of their ongoing assessments, each young patient is cared for based on their individual needs.

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Our Individualized Approach

During the inpatient stay in the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Program, our team provides innovative programming and expert care to achieve the greatest outcomes.

In order to ensure our smallest patients are able to develop and grow to reach their full potential, we create a nurturing environment by implementing positive sensory inputs such as:

  • Bathing
  • Swaddling
  • Therapeutic touch and handling
  • Vestibular sensations such as rocking

Our holistic and medical approach includes:

  • Aquatic and physical therapy used to increase range of motion and positioning
  • Comprehensive nursing assessments
  • Medication management (including tapering and discontinuation of medication)
  • Monitoring weight gain, growth charts and nutrition
  • Occupational therapy and infant massage used for self-calming and visual motor stimulation

In preparation for discharge, parents and caregivers are given training in medication, CPR and feeding. Additionally, our medical staff communicates with parents and caregivers post-discharge regarding the care provided and progress.

Health Effects of Prenatal Drug Use on Newborns

The NAS Program treats newborns affected by exposure to various drugs in utero. These health effects can include:

  • Failure to thrive
  • Irritability from withdrawal symptoms
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Inability to sleep

Learn more about our Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Program (English OR Spanish)

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Children's Specialized Hospital
200 Somerset Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(888) 244-5373
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Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Treatment & Care

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