Neonatal abstinence syndrome: the role of breastfeeding

Treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) can be prolonged, in some cases necessitating a lengthy hospital stay. There is increasing evidence that breastfeeding affected infants can be beneficial in reducing the severity and intensity of symptoms of NAS. Substance misusing mothers are a vulnerable group with low breastfeeding rates. Support and a positive attitude from healthcare professionals are essential in helping these women to breastfeed their infants. This review, based on current literature and local experience from a tertiary care unit, evaluates breastfeeding in infants susceptible to NAS and suggests strategies to promote breastfeeding among this group of women.