Ten-month-old Elijah Robertson looks healthy and happy today. But there were concerns when he was born.
Elijah spent the first several days of life at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital being monitored for drug withdrawals
- JHACH has new Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome program
- Babies exposed to opioids in utero at risk for withdrawal when born
- Symptoms include tremors, shakes, high fevers
"I just decided to go swallow my pride and go to the methadone clinic at eight-and-half months pregnant," said Kerri Dean.
Dean says she started using at age sixteen.
"It progressed to oxycodone 30-milligrams because the percocets weren’t helping," said Dean.
Kerri and Elijah are part of JHACH's new Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome program and its follow-up program.
"To help moms all the way from pregnancy through when their babies are age five," said Program Director, Katie Wooten, RN. "We want to make sure that babies are getting the care that they need after they’ve been exposed to opioids, but also make sure that the pregnancy for mom is as healthy as possible."
The program was launched in response to the opioid crisis and thanks to a $2.5 million donation.
"Any baby who’s exposed to opioids in utero is at risk for withdrawal once their born," said Wooten. "Those symptoms can include inconsolable crying, tremors, shakes, high fevers, difficulty eating."
Another goal of the program is to provide mom with access to quality to pre-natal care and community resources.
The new program is already making a difference.
"Kerri & Elijah are the definition of success," said Wooten.
"The support other than family and friends, it’s phenomenal and hopefully it changes the perspective that everybody has, you know, that it’s very hard to go get help, and I understand that." said Dean.
Dean says she's almost finished with treatment. She's grateful for all the help.
Elijah will get another assessment at age one.
The new mom is grateful for her son.
He’s a miracle, he’s amazing," said Dean. "He changed my life."