Expert: ruth kraft - 12/12/2008

Question
Can you help us?  We recently were told in confidence by our nephew that his wife has been addicted to multiple prescription drugs, including oxycodone(?)and vicodin throughout her pregnancy and still now while nursing. We said we needed some sort of evidence they were receiving help, or we felt we could not keep their secret. We live in a different state, the rest of the family live in the same town as them.  Now they are livid with us, telling us it was the obgyn who did the prescribing with no concern, they have given her withdrawal meds and assured her there is no need to ever worry about the baby or continuing to nursing as long as she only did it at night. They also assured us they had told her mother and she was helping.  When we asked to talk to her mother or doctor we were basically disowned and hung up on.  We feel we can't just ignore this situation. Thank you so much for any education and guidance!

Answer
This has more of an ethical base than a breastfeeding base so I dont know how much help I am going to be...

If you are concerend about the baby's immidiate well being, then certianly letting child services know to do the investigation and letting it out of your hands...

the reality is, if they arent going to get her help, or she isnt willing, theres not much anyone can do. unfortunatly..