Neonatal abstinence syndrome following abrupt cessation of breastfeeding
Malpas, T.J.; Darlow, B.A.
New Zealand Medical Journal 112(1080): 12-13
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 10073159 Document Number: 499205
Neonatal abstinence syndrome is seen commonly in infants born to women on methadone maintenance. Many of these infants are breast-fed but few data are available on the distribution of methadone in breast milk, particularly for women receiving doses greater than 60 mg daily. This paper reports on 2 cases where infants appeared to develop neonatal abstinence syndrome, after abrupt discontinuation of breast-feeding by women receiving 70 mg and 130 mg of methadone. It is suggested that women on high doses of methadone should be counselled to wean their infants gradually.