Rooming-in Care for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

(NASCENT Trial)

This trial explores a new approach to caring for babies with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a condition occurring when babies are exposed to drugs before birth. Traditional care often separates mothers and babies, but this trial tests "rooming-in care," where mothers and babies remain together in a quiet, supportive hospital setting. The researchers aim to determine if rooming-in care can reduce the need for intensive care, help more babies go home with their mothers, and increase breastfeeding rates. Mothers who used opiates during pregnancy and have babies born after 36 weeks might be suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative care practices that could benefit future families.

The trial information does not specify whether participants must stop taking their current medications.

Research has shown that rooming-in care is a safe way to care for babies with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Studies have found that when mothers and their newborns stay together, babies are much less likely to need medicine for withdrawal symptoms. Specifically, one study showed a decrease from 83.3% to just 14.3% of babies needing such treatment. Keeping mothers and babies together also shortens the hospital stay for infants. This approach not only ensures safety but also offers additional benefits, such as increasing breastfeeding rates and keeping families together. Overall, rooming-in care is a well-supported and safe choice for families dealing with NAS.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about rooming-in care for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) because it offers a compassionate and potentially more effective alternative to traditional care methods like neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and pharmacological treatments. Unlike conventional approaches that often rely on medication to manage withdrawal symptoms in newborns, rooming-in care allows mothers and babies to stay together, which can enhance bonding and provide a comforting environment. This method may lead to shorter hospital stays and reduced need for medication, making it a promising option for improving outcomes in infants affected by NAS.

Research has shown that rooming-in care, where mothers and babies stay together in the hospital, can greatly improve outcomes for babies with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Studies have found that this approach reduces the need for medications in babies, with one study showing a decrease from 83.3% to 14.3% in medication use. Rooming-in also tends to shorten hospital stays and increase breastfeeding rates. A review of multiple studies consistently found that keeping mothers and babies together was better than traditional NICU care for these outcomes. Overall, rooming-in is a safe and effective way to care for babies with NAS, promoting stronger family bonds and healthier babies.¹²³⁴⁶