Mother with Addiction | Primary Care Partners of South Bend

Treatment for Mothers With Addiction

At Primary Care Partners of South Bend, we understand the challenges that mothers with addiction to drugs and alcohol face. Dr. Zabukovic created a program aimed at the treatment of addiction throughout pregnancy and motherhood. If you are a mother or are currently pregnant and struggling with any substance abuse, we are here to take care of you. From caring for your baby at risk of withdrawal to helping mothers fight their addiction, Dr. Zabukovic is here to answer all of your questions and get you and your baby started on a healthy journey. A drug addiction during pregnancy can harm both you and your baby. It may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, developmental problems, heart defects, and more. At Primary Care Partners of South Bend, you and your baby are our top priority. Dr. Zabukovic is an expert in caring for mothers with addiction throughout their pregnancy.

Caring for your Baby at Risk of Withdrawal

If you struggled with addiction throughout your pregnancy, please read our tips on caring for your baby at risk of withdrawal:

Please check with your baby’s doctor to see if breastfeeding is recommended. Breastfeeding may help your baby feel better if the doctor okay’s it.
Dim your room lights as much as possible
TV should be on low volume if you have it on
Turn your cell phones on vibrate
Avoid talking too loudly
Please hold your baby skin-to-skin every chance you get but for at least 1 hour every day
Keep your baby swaddled
Your baby may soothe with vertical rocking (ask your doctor or nurse to demonstrate)
Your baby may prefer to be held in a flexed (“C”-shaped) position
When touching your baby, use a gentle and firm touch to avoid irritating them. Your baby may like to have their hands and feet gently massaged
If your baby is constantly sucking, even if they have recently been fed, consider trying a pacifier

Every 3-4 hours, a nurse will look at your baby for signs of discomfort (called Finnegan scoring – see reverse for parent scoring sheet). If your baby scores 8 or higher on more than one check, we may need to make arrangements for medicine to help your baby feel less uncomfortable. Sometimes, your baby may be ready to leave the hospital after only 2-3 days. We may need to watch your baby more closely for 4-5 days. If your baby requires medicine to help with the discomfort associated with withdrawal, they will be moved to a nursery with more staff to help take care of them and their hospital stay will be extended. We won’t keep your baby here longer than is necessary. For more information, please call Primary Care Partners of South Bend at (574) 251-1200.