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What We Do

A Silent Epidemic

The Problem

Family6_006

1,000-2,000 NAS births per 6,000 live births

in Spokane County

Per the Centers for Disease Control: 6 NAS births per 1,000 live births

Another unpublicized epidemic is silently occurring alongside the current Opioid Crisis in the US. Prenatal exposure of infants to drugs and alcohol, increases alongside increased substance use in our country.

  • Nearly 15% of live births in the US. have a prenatal course that involves substance use.
  • In  Washington, the rate of prenatal substance use has increased at least 15% every year.
  • 80-90% of infants born exposed to substances will show symptoms of withdrawal  that interfere with the basic and critical human functions.

These functions are absolutely critical as a newborn navigates life outside of the womb, and when they are disrupted or disorganized, there are lifelong consequences. 

In the state of Washington, the rate of prenatal substance use has increased at least 15% every year.

Day 2 & 6

Withdrawl symptoms appear

2 x's

More likely to be readmitted within the first 30 days

3 x's

More likely to die before age 12.

Withdrawal Symptoms and Lasting Effects

Withdrawal symptoms typically appear between day 2 and day 6 of life, peak around 2 weeks of age, and can persist for 4-6 months. Even when symptoms do begin to fade, there are lasting effects and risks as these children grow. Currently, a child born prenatally exposed to drugs and/or alcohol is twice as likely as a healthy newborn to be readmitted to the hospital within the first 30 days, 21 times more likely to be admitted to a hospital for injuries in childhood, and 3 times more likely to die before age 12.

There is Hope and a Solution

What Maddie's Place is Doing

Maddies Solution

  • Free-standing recovery nursery for infants with prenatal substance exposure

  • Mother-baby bonding prioritized—”mom is the best medicine”

  • Evidence-based approach to treating NAS with better outcomes

  • 70–80% cost savings vs. traditional NICU treatment

  • Reduced Morphine use during withdrawal treatment

  • Stronger early attachment promotes healthier long-term development

Medical care in a nurturing environment for substance-exposed infants, together with loving wraparound support for their caregivers.

Maddie’s Place is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit recovery nursery that provides free-standing, nurturing care for babies experiencing withdrawal due to prenatal substance exposure. Emphasizing low-intervention, high-touch support, Maddie’s Place prioritizes bonding between mothers and babies, based on the belief that “mom is the best medicine.”

This evidence-based approach to treating Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) significantly improves long-term outcomes, reduces the need for Morphine, and cuts costs by 70–80% compared to NICU care—ultimately fostering healthier babies and stronger maternal bonds.

89

Babies cared for since opening October 2022

52%

Placed Voluntarily

48%

Dependency