Methadone Withdrawal with Recovering Baby

I am sorry you and your baby have to go through this. I am happy to hear he was okay, as it sounds so very serious. Three thoughts:
1 - get some powdered probiotics to offset the antibiotics and help his tummy (get them at the healthfood store).
2 - make a point to get a bit of YOU time each day - even if it's a run to get a cup of coffee - or a bath. You need to recharge.
3 - just remind yourself it will get better, and it won't be like this forever. Take it one minute at a time
I wish you the best : )

My sister's baby went through methadone withdrawal, for reasons that were her fault. Not that it matters. It does take time. It really does. I know that's the lat thing you want to hear, and I'm sorry for that. There were two things that REALLY did help his comfort and contentment. I know it's cold in most places, but do you have a window that gets lots of sun? Good old sunshine and vitamin D, really made him happy. He would sit happily in the sun much of the time. Another thing, was probiotics. All the medications have really done a number on your little guy's body and gut. Probitoics do not interfere in any way with antibiotics. You should space them out though, by at least 2 hours. For example, give the probiotic either 3 hours before of after the antibiotic. Probiotics help regulate his digestive system and gut. They really can be a lifesaver!! I know my nephew was a terrible eater and in so much discomfort, before we started the probiotics.

Good luck, mama. I hope you and your little one get some relief!!

Yes, absolutely. Although I wasn't my nieces primary care taker yet, I cared for her while she was roughly the same age and was weaning off of opiate influenced breastmilk.

While the physical symptoms of opiate withdrawal are not unlike a common tummy bug (Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, chills, muscle pain, runny nose, crawling sensation in skin, etc.), they are combined with emotional symptoms which are long(er) lasting and incredibly difficult for the person experiencing them.

I'd suggest keeping up with what you are doing, giving baby physical comfort and reassurance. It sounds like, in addition to the withdrawal symptoms, there has also been a great deal of transition and stress that you all have been undergoing. It sounds tough, and I understand you are feeling absolutely exhausted. That's really reasonable, especially considering all that you've been dealing with.

I wonder if it may take some more time to re settle into your lives? Is there a way that you could get a nice break every day? Even if it's just to take bath by yourself, or to go outside for a walk, or to write in your journal with a cup of tea? I am hearing that baby really needs and wants the comfort you have been providing. It sounds like you may be reaching a place where you really need a break and comfort yourself; a chance to recharge so that you CAN provide your little one with relief. I wonder, would it be worth letting your husband take baby for approx. 45minutes a day (even if baby feels upset while you're not there), so that you can recharge?

As for baby. I'd suggest the same I would for an adult who feels very, very cold, depressed, physically uncomfortable, and anxious:

- Keeping baby warm and comfortable (in softer clothing and blankets than usual, as well as keeping exposure to the cold at a bare minimum).

- Relaxing stimulation (soft music, quiet singing, nice lighting, comforting sounds).

- *Warm baths*

- Warm comforting liquids

- Loving company and reassurance

- Tylenol (if approved by doc)

It just takes a while for brain chemistry to balance out. I'm sorry mama! I hope you get some rest and relaxation - you deserve it! Good luck and health to you and your family.

J., I'm so sorry. It sounds like you have a long row to hoe here. Please get some help in the house. Maybe family or friends or a cleaning service can come in. You need someone to wash the clothes, fix some meals, that kind of thing.

I think you probably need to stay pretty much at your baby's side until all the medications are done, and even a little longer as he gets used to being a well child again. The medications he is on now are pretty hard-core for an infant. It will take a long time for him to recover from the feelings he associates with being on them. When you do start to pull back from constant togetherness, you'll need to do it slowly.

It sounds like he is back from the brink, and I wish you and your family the very best getting through the end of this thing!
Dawn

I don't have any advice except you might google some of the opiate websites and see if the recovering people can help? I know it sounds unorthodox but these people know what your little one is going through and what you are having to deal with. It can't hurt to try right? I will pm you one
I am so sorry your poor little one had to go through such a large trauma at such a little age. Hugs to mom and dad too
In your arms babe feels safest it sounds like. I hope your arms don't get too cemented:) I hope your little one feels better soon.