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STAR Program aids addicted mothers-to-be and their infants

Gaston Gazette - 4/14/2018

April 14--The opioid crisis currently gripping America has many young victims who are not often thought about -- the unborn babies of, and the infants born to, mothers who are themselves drug users.

A recently developed program of the Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services -- Substance, Treatment and Rehabilitation (STAR) -- seeks to help those mothers overcome their addictions and provide a high level of care to their infants, both before and after birth.

Babies born to addicted mothers often suffer from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), which can cause them to go through drug withdrawal after birth. According to the March of Dimes, babies born with NAS are more likely to be born with low birth weight, have breathing and feeding problems and suffer from seizures. Such babies often have to stay in the hospital longer after birth than babies not suffering from NAS.

Although less than two years old, Gaston County's STAR program was recently honored by the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation, with officials praising the effort as "a shining example of how innovation and collaboration can drive substantial and sustainable change in a community and make a tremendous difference in the lives of women and their babies."

According to Gaston County Health Director, Dr. Velma Taormina, STAR was born thanks to the efforts of Dr. Christi Bartell, who was alarmed by the increasing number of newborns showing signs of withdrawal soon after birth. She proposed a program which would decrease opioid use in pregnant women and thereby lower the incidence of NAS.

Taormina explained the goals of the program as:

--To make sure addicted mothers get the best medical care during their pregnancy.

--To increase healthy pregnancies.

--To decrease the chances of drug withdrawal problems babies might experience after delivery.

--To help the mothers participate in drug and alcohol treatment programs.

--To help connect mothers to other needed agencies and resources.

--And, to build stronger mother and child relationships.

"We begin by having a candid discussion with the mother," Taormina said. "Why are you using? Are the drugs from the street or from a prescription? What are the dangers to you and the baby? Are you taking the lowest dose possible?"

Drug use, Taormina pointed out, is often just one of the many issues confronting at-risk mothers in Gaston County. Safe housing, reliable transportation, adequate food and nutrition, and protection from domestic violence are also concerns for many of these women.

So, in addition to working to control and conquer drug abuse, Taormina said STAR also seeks to:

--Educate mothers about eating well and exercising.

--Link mothers to resources that help with transportation or financial needs.

--Do a total health assessment on the mothers, focusing on total health, including mental health.

--Provide emotional support to mothers during pregnancy, labor, and after delivery.

--Help mothers quit or reduce smoking and tobacco.

"We don't just focus on one aspect of the mother's life," Taormina concluded. "We attempt to provide them with a one-stop resource that can help ensure a healthy delivery and a healthy life for the mother and her baby."

Bill Poteat may be reached at 704-869-1855.

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(c)2018 Gaston Gazette, Gastonia, N.C.

Visit Gaston Gazette, Gastonia, N.C. at www.gastongazette.com

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