Priority 7: Non-Pharmacological Intervention
From hospital admission to the weeks or months following discharge of mother and baby, interventions should be guided by non-judgmental, empathic care. Whenever possible, the use of non-pharmacological interventions should be considered and encouraged. Non-pharmacological interventions may reduce prolonged hospitalization and separation of the mother–infant dyad.
While these practices can potentially disrupt breastfeeding or disturb mother-infant bonding, there are tested models that may keep the mother-infant dyad together, reduce admissions to the NICU and reduce the need for pharmacotherapy. To minimize the common symptoms of restlessness, tremors, agitation and gastrointestinal disturbances that often occur in infants with NAS, nonpharmacological treatment should be universally incorporated into standards of care. Quality improvement initiatives demonstrate the benefits of non-pharmacologic care, including reducing extended inpatient stays and separation of mother and baby.