Non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic care of the neonate with opioid withdrawal syndrome

Abstract

There has been a significant paradigm shift in the management of infants with NOWS to emphasizing the role of non-pharmacologic care centered on the mother-infant dyad. By promoting bonding through rooming-in, breast-feeding and skin-to skin contact in a low stimulation environment, short and long-term outcomes have dramatically improved, resulting in reduced length of stay and need for pharmacologic treatment of the newborn. This shift in care also empowers the mother and promotes bonding and attachment, providing a solid foundation for a safe discharge. When non-pharmacological treatments are not sufficient to control the infant's withdrawal symptoms then medications can be used as an adjunct, to the minimum extent necessary and should never be used in isolation of non-pharmacological interventions. Quality improvement efforts should focus on optimizing and standardizing both non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic care to best serve this population.