I have had six years of experience working in NICUs with babies born to drug
addicted mothers, and have observed that babies born addicted to mothers who
were on methadone have some of the most severe withdrawl symtoms than any
other drug, including cocaine, nicotine and alcohol. I do not have any
experience with xanax. Some of these withdrawl symptoms can be noted
immediately after birth, and others may not be observed until several days or
a few weeks after birth. It is very important to work closely with the
hospital social worker and the neonatologist who will probably attend to the
baby after he/she is born.  This baby does need special care, as the
withdrawl symptoms can be severe. Careful modulation of the auditory and
visual environment, diligent swaddling, lots of TLC and unlimited holding and
rocking by mom or the primary caregiver will help.  Modulating the baby's
home environment after discharge is also very important to the baby's
development. Please consult an early intervention specialist in the
community, or feel free to contact me directly.

Debbie Rabin, OTR, CLC
Los Angeles, CA