Cocaine Addicted Babies
... are exposed to cocaine in the womb have increased risks for birth defects. The most common birth defect is malformation of the urinary tract. Those babies also have a greater risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies exposed to cocaine in the womb will start life with serious health problems; such as heart defects, kidney problem, and seizures. Many cocaine babies are born too small or too soon, some weigh only two pounds. Babies born too early or too small are more often likely to have life long disabilities. When born prematurely they are prone to breathing difficulties. Experts estimate that “in big city hospitals fifty to seventy percent of premature infants have cocaine in their systems when they are born“ (Tetz par.11). Cocaine can fluctuate both the mother’s and the babies heart rate and blood pressure. When you have a jump in blood pressure it can rupture tiny blood vessels in the babies brain, which can lead to a stroke and/or brain damage. Birth defects related to drugs can contribute to the severe developmental difficulties. Crack babies at birth will go through something similar to withdrawal. Some become jittery, extremely irritable, and cry at the gentlest touch. Many of these babies will also face many problems while growing up. Most crack babies are at high risk for learning disabilities. As the first wave of crack babies head to the school bus teachers are beginning to worry about their behavior and learning abilities. Crack babies tend to score lower on tests that measure their abilities to associate with others in-groups and whether or not they can concentrate. A study at Case Western Reserve University found that “ cocaine-exposed two year olds scored six points lower than unexposed peers on tests of mental development” ( Cocaine Use par.11). Children exposed to crack have difficulties in unstructured environments. For example,“ if they were given one block at a time, they could put it into a cup as easily other children,” Dr. Chasnoff said. “ But when given several blocks at a time, they have a problem concentrating and they just can’t do it.” (Tetz par.24). In order for these children to be able to learn in school, they need small class sizes, and one on one attention. Cocaine just doesn’t ruin individual lives; it burdens the hospitals and adds to the over whelming cost of health care. Addicted mothers abandon many infants in the hospitals. When the babies are ready to leave the hospital most have no place to go. “ The cost of prenatal care and some foster care through age five could approximate $ 500 million” (Crack Babies par.2). Do to the high number of babies demand for housing facilities has greatly increased.” A group nursery can cost up to $2,500 a month per baby”(Tetz par.29). “The national price tag for looking after mothers who abuse illegal drugs is $2.5 billion a year” (Tetz par.30). The most famous treatment house is called Hale’s house. Ronald Reagan made the house famous in 1985 when he called the founder an angel. The worst part of this is that the lives of these children are totally preventable. As Americans we have only two options in order to solve the crack baby problem. One option is to get treatment for the mothers of these babies. Treatment for mother is often over looked many people feel that crack mothers are maternal monsters. Most of the women want help, but most treatment centers focus their programs for men. The mothers end up getting caught up in thei...