Opioid Exposed Mothers and Infants in Delaware: Clinical and Legal Considerations.

Abstract

Drug use is on the rise in Delaware, as demonstrated by the continued increase in infants born with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Thoughtful, evidence-based, and coordinated approaches are necessary to impact this problem. There is solid evidence that mothers and infants who remain together have improved outcomes. Professional medical and nursing societies are unanimous in support of non-punitive approaches to care. Medical professionals, legislators, and society in general would benefit from ongoing education on the addiction disease process in order to best care for the increasing number of mother/baby dyads with neonatal abstinence syndrome.