Services for Infants
Our infant care at Maddie’s Place is designed around the evidence-based Eat, Sleep and Console model, using tight environmental controls, and holistic comfort techniques. We fully support “mom as the best medicine” and our care is attachment based, recognizing and addressing the unique challenges to bonding that our families face. Research and outcome data from other nurseries has shown that the need for medication to treat a newborn’s withdrawal symptoms drops by 80-90% when they are kept near their mothers and careful attunement guides their care. In addition, our families will learn to recognize the neurological and developmental tasks their baby is facing, and develop the tools to “read their language” and support them.
One of the biggest challenges for a baby experiencing withdrawal symptoms is self-regulation. This is a challenging newborn task for all babies, but even more so for prenatally exposed newborns. The result is a baby who can be difficult to soothe and feed, and tough to connect with because they seldom reach the “quiet alert” state that is necessary for bonding. Many are unable to make eye contact in the early weeks because the human face is far too over-stimulating to their brains. These particular challenges can inadvertently communicate to a mom that her baby is not interested in her, and she is not meeting her baby’s needs. To complicate this relationship further, the part of the brain that is hijacked by substance use is the same part that needs to be online for attachment and bonding. All of these combined can contribute to a very rough start for this vital relationship.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We are committed to provide the space for growth and to take the time to meet each family where they are at, supporting them through the beginning of their journey together, and giving them the tools they need to be a connected and united family when they leave Maddie’s Place.
What to Expect
Infant care modeled and taught will include:
Evidence-based therapeutic handling techniques
- Neuro- and sleep-protective care
- Skin-to-skin, or kangaroo care
- Deep water baths
- Massage, acupressure
- Music therapy
- Careful attention to feeding patterns and gut health
- Feeding on demand, breastfeeding encouraged and supported according to guidelines issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics
- Awareness of sensory input, modulating for each baby as needed
- Reading baby’s cues and responding in a way that builds trust and connection
Medical/professional care consists of the following:
- 24/7 nursing care
- Pediatrician on-site or on-call 24/7
- On-site care provided by Early Services for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) providers, local agencies with experienced Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists and Feeding Therapists.
- Dietitian available for consultation
- Medication begun in the hospital can continue to be weaned down at Maddie’s Place, and we can initiate treatment with medication if needed.
- Warm hand-off to identified community pediatrician to encourage well-baby care after discharge
Payment for Infant Services
Maddie’s Place offers all of its services and care at no cost to families. We expect our services to be covered by Medicaid and other State and/or Federal funding.
Services for Moms/Caregivers
- Family Advocacy team will help navigate treatment and support services
- Peer support from moms who have been there!
- Mental Health Counselor available on-site
- Opportunity to meet providers ESIT (Early Services for Infants and Toddlers) before in home services begin.
- One year of 24/7 support line to Maddie’s Place staff
Resources and Services for Moms
Any parent who accompanies a baby to Maddie’s Place for admission will be welcomed to our Connect program for parents.
Length of Stay
Each baby’s length of stay at Maddie’s Place will be individualized according to their health and withdrawal experience, and the supports needed to insure a successful discharge.
Maddie's Place Mom Program
Welcome to Maddie’s Place Mom Program. The Mom program is a place where mothers and fathers can come to access community resources, advocacy, and peer support in a non-judgmental setting. Maddie’s Place social work staff can assist with on- going housing, mental health, chemical dependency, WIC, medical care, and transportation resources. We provide peer support from staff members who are very familiar with the process because they have walked down this path themselves. Our knowledgeable staff welcome you and are glad you are here. We know parenting is hard but together we will work to ensure you and your baby are off to a safe and healthy start.
