Neonatal Abstinence
Syndrome (NAS)

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Questions & Answers
Dr Mom

Hover over the boxes below to see the answers to the questions.
Q:A:What is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?
When a mom-to-be takes drugs during pregnancy —especially pain killers called opioids or heroin —they can be passed on to the baby. NAS happens when the baby is no longer exposed to the drugs and has withdrawal symptoms after birth.
Q:A:What can I do to prevent NAS?
You can prevent NAS by not taking any drugs during your pregnancy unless recommended by your doctor. If you are taking drugs already, talk to your doctor first before quitting. With certain drugs, quitting too quickly can hurt you and your baby.
Q:A:When do the signs of NAS start?
Usually within three days of birth, but sometimes symptoms may not happen for a few weeks.
Q:A:What are the signs of NAS?
  • Shaking, twitching muscles, seizures.
  • Trouble breathing or breathing fast.
  • Fussiness, a lot of crying, or high-pitched crying.
  • Sweating, fever or blotchy skin.
  • Trouble sleeping, a lot of yawning.
  • Throwing up or diarrhea.
  • Stuffy nose or sneezing.
  • Feeding problems or slow weight gain.
Q:A:What should I do if I think my baby has NAS?
Call your provider or the hospital right away. Your baby might need medicine, fluids or other interventions to help him feel better.
Q:A:What else can I do to help my baby?
  • Keep your baby in a quiet, darkened room.
  • Help your baby feel secure by using a special wrap called a swaddler or a sleep sack to keep him comfortable.
  • Hold your baby skin-to-skin — only in his diaper on bare chest.
  • Feed your baby smaller amounts more often if he is having trouble feeding. If you are concerned about your baby’s feeding, contact his doctor right away.
  • Breastfeed your baby. If you are still using drugs including marijuana, talk with your provider first.
Q:

What is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?

A:

When a mom-to-be takes drugs during pregnancy — especially pain killers called opioids or heroin —they can be passed on to the baby. NAS happens when the baby is no longer exposed to the drugs and has withdrawal symptoms after birth.

Q:

What can I do to prevent NAS?

A:

You can prevent NAS by not taking any drugs during your pregnancy unless recommended by your doctor. If you are taking drugs already, talk to your doctor first before quitting. With certain drugs, quitting too quickly can hurt you and your baby.

Q:

When do the signs of NAS start?

A:

Usually within three days of birth, but sometimes symptoms may not happen for a few weeks.

Q:

What are the signs of NAS?

A:

  • Shaking, twitching muscles, or seizures.
  • Trouble breathing or breathing fast.
  • Fussiness, a lot of crying, or high-pitched crying.
  • Sweating, fever, or blotchy skin.
  • Trouble sleeping or a lot of yawning.
  • Throwing up or diarrhea.
  • Stuffy nose or sneezing.
  • Feeding problems or slow weight gain.

Q:

What should I do if I think my baby has NAS?

A:

Call your provider or the hospital right away. Your baby might need medicine, fluids, or other interventions to help them feel better.

Q:

What else can I do to help my baby?

A:

  • Keep your baby in a quiet, darkened room.
  • Help your baby feel secure by using a special wrap called a swaddler or a sleep sack to keep them comfortable.
  • Hold your baby skin-to-skin — only in their diaper on bare chest.
  • Feed your baby smaller amounts more often if they are having trouble feeding. If you are concerned about your baby’s feeding, contact their doctor right away.
  • Breastfeed your baby. If you are still using drugs including marijuana, talk with your provider first.

Q:

What is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?

A:

When a mom-to-be takes drugs during pregnancy —especially pain killers called opioids or heroin —they can be passed on to the baby. NAS happens when the baby is no longer exposed to the drugs and has withdrawal symptoms after birth.

Q:

What can I do to prevent NAS?

A:

You can prevent NAS by not taking any drugs during your pregnancy unless recommended by your doctor. If you are taking drugs already, talk to your doctor first before quitting. With certain drugs, quitting too quickly can hurt you and your baby.

Q:

When do the signs of NAS start?

A:

Usually within three days of birth, but sometimes symptoms may not happen for a few weeks.

Q:

What are the signs of NAS?

A:

  • Shaking, twitching muscles, or seizures.
  • Trouble breathing or breathing fast.
  • Fussiness, a lot of crying, or high-pitched crying.
  • Sweating, fever, or blotchy skin.
  • Trouble sleeping or a lot of yawning.
  • Throwing up or diarrhea.
  • Stuffy nose or sneezing.
  • Feeding problems or slow weight gain.

Q:

What should I do if I think my baby has NAS?

A:

Call your provider or the hospital right away. Your baby might need medicine, fluids or other interventions to help them feel better.

Q:

What else can I do to help my baby?

A:

  • Keep your baby in a quiet, darkened room.
  • Help your baby feel secure by using a special wrap called a swaddler or a sleep sack to keep them comfortable.
  • Hold your baby skin-to-skin — only in their diaper on bare chest.
  • Feed your baby smaller amounts more often if they are having trouble feeding. If you are concerned about your baby’s feeding, contact their doctor right away.
  • Breastfeed your baby. If you are still using drugs including marijuana, talk with your provider first.

For More Information Dr Mom

NextLevel Recovery Indiana
Indiana Department of Health Overdose Prevention
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
CHOICE: Pregnancy and Substance Use Treatment Program

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

wic.in.gov

The ‘I’m a WIC Client’ button now directs to Nutrition and Breastfeeding, the content offered on the site has not changed.

Side Lying Hold

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Cross Cradle Hold

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football Hold

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Breastfeeding Holds

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Breastfeeding Holds

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position