Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a complex disorder in which a newborn experiences tolerance and withdrawal from medications and substances they were exposed to during pregnancy. The Children’s Minnesota outpatient methadone clinic for NAS provides a unique opportunity for infants born with NAS and their caregivers to get home sooner. In 2022, we conducted up to 110 visits to newborns with NAS and continue to grow our program.
One of the only outpatient neonatal abstinence syndrome programs in the country
At Children’s Minnesota, our NAS program is one of the few in the country that is part of a health system dedicated exclusively to children. We understand that prolonged hospitalization increases the distance between a caregiver and baby. That is why we prioritize caregiver-infant bonding by getting you and your baby home together as soon as possible. Our NAS team facilitates the transition from hospital to home while maximizing resources for successful management at home.
Dedicated to providing the highest outpatient care
Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition from the hospital to home in order to promote infant and caregiver bonding, while continuing their treatment for NAS. We provide guidance and education for caregivers in identifying symptoms of withdrawal, and in treating these symptoms at home utilizing medication and non-medication strategies.
Patients are referred to our outpatient NAS program from the Children’s Minnesota St. Paul and Minneapolis campuses and from surrounding sites for families who live within the homecare service area. Infants who qualify for enrollment in our program are started on scheduled methadone treatment while inpatient. Some infants may be started on additional medications for management. Once they are at appropriate medication doses for ongoing home management, they are discharged to home.
Through our outpatient methadone clinic for NAS, you will receive care from advanced practice providers who specialize in the care of infants with NAS and homecare nurses with 24/7 on-call access. We aim to partner with caregivers to provide the best outcomes for their infant throughout this process.
What you will receive
- Medication management.
- Guidance on Non-Medication Comfort strategies.
- 24/7 Phone Support from Homecare RN.
- Twice weekly homecare RN visits.
- Once weekly Pain clinic visits.
- Social work support.
- Emphasis on education and collaboration with parents.
- To learn more, see our Patient & Family Education Materials.
Frequently asked questions about our neonatal abstinence syndrome outpatient methadone program
We treat NAS at home by performing thoughtful medication tapers every three days. We have 24/7 on-call home care nurses to help address questions or concerns as they arise with the taper. Infants and their caregivers will be seen twice a week by homecare nursing, once a week by a pain provider.
We support and encourage non-pharmacologic strategies for management of NAS while in the home as well.
Once an infant is enrolled in our program, they will have 24/7 phone access to homecare nursing. Homecare RNs can contact a pain provider on-call if the question or concern cannot be easily answered. If it is a true emergency, call 911.
