Hi my name is Jessy...

Robin - posted on 04/25/2012

Hi Jessica! Congrats on the pregnancy, you may not make it to next Mon, 41 weeks!! Wow!! My son is 2 1/2 now, and I was (and still on) methadone when he was born (120 mg). First of all, trust me, no one feels prepared right before they have a baby. Methadone or no methadone. I have a friend who is a straight as an arrow who had her son a month ago, and she felt just as unprepared. But its hard when you can't talk about something pretty major in your life, because of being afraid of people's reactions. I was really lucky and had lots of great doctors and an understanding family, who assured my fiance and me that what we were doing was what was right for us and our baby. My son unfortunately had to be detoxed, which took almost 5 weeks, but that's because they do it as slow and making it completely painless for them. This is something you need to be prepared for, even being on only 65, because everyone is different. I had a friend who was on 10 less then me, and her son was fine. Then I know someone at my clinic who was on only 50 and her twins had to be detoxed. Hopefully this won't be the case with you, but preparing yourself for the possibility makes it easier. My sons pediatrician in the NICU during this time assured us over and over, we had done the right thing, after all, the alternative would be much worst (I was already clean when I got pregnant and he was unplanned). I'm sure you've done your research, so you must know methadone is one of the most studied drugs for pregnant women, is totally safe, and although would be better if we weren't on it, we are and at least for myself if I wasn't, I'd be dead now.
As for breast feeding, I didn't, I was told the same, the methadone can be past to the baby, as anything can. I guess as with needing to be detoxed, its the same thing, everyone's different, but I don't think there's anyway they can tell if you have risk of passing it to the baby through breast milk. This is another thing my doctor reassured me with that he would be fine on formula, and I was doing what was best for me and my baby, and that's what matters. Feeding with a bottle is very bonding as well, after all you are still holding them close, and then at least others can help too, which gives your baby's father time to bond as well. It is the safer route. If you really were looking for the baby to breast bond, there are some devices you can get to feed the baby formula from a tube which runs down to your nipple. The most important thing is keeping your daughter healthy, and trust me, my son is sweet, extremely bonded to myself and his dad, his brain has developed perfectly, he is healthy, didn't get sick more, and he never had breast milk.

I hope I helped in relieving some of your stress. The fact you are reaching out, and have this stress means you do care, and the most important thing in being a parent is love, if you love and care for your baby, you'll be a great mom!
Robin