A Compassionate Approach to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Conversation with Tara SundemA Compassionate Approach to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Conversation with Tara Sundem
Drug Diversion Insights with Terri Vidals
Tara Sundem discusses Hushabye Nursery's innovative care model for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome, highlighting its benefits and challenges.
40:06•15 Apr 2025
Transforming Care for Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Episode Overview
- Creating a specialised environment for NAS babies can significantly reduce withdrawal periods.
- Non-pharmacological measures are often more effective than medication.
- Supporting the whole family is crucial for the infant's recovery.
- Traditional NICU settings may not be ideal for NAS babies.
- Innovative care models face resistance but can achieve impressive results.
“We realised that babies did withdraw easier in a quiet, dark environment.”
Ever wondered how to provide the best care for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)? In this episode of Drug Diversion Insights with Terri Vidals, you'll hear from Tara Sundem, co-founder of Hushabye Nursery. Tara, a neonatal nurse practitioner, shares her journey from working in traditional NICUs to creating a specialised environment for babies suffering from NAS.
She explains how Hushabye Nursery's holistic and family-centred approach has led to impressive outcomes, reducing the average withdrawal period from 22 days to just eight. Tara recounts the eye-opening moments that led her to realise the shortcomings of conventional NICU settings for NAS babies. Through anecdotes and experiences, she illustrates the importance of a quiet, dark environment and the benefits of non-pharmacological measures over medication.
Hushabye Nursery not only cares for the infants but also supports the families, offering a range of behavioural health services to ensure both baby and family can heal together. Terri and Tara discuss the challenges of integrating this innovative model within the healthcare system and the resistance they face from traditional hospitals. Yet, the success stories and data speak volumes about the effectiveness of their approach.
Tara's dedication to keeping families united and providing compassionate care is evident throughout the conversation. If you're a healthcare professional or someone interested in effective healthcare solutions for substance use disorders, this episode is a must-listen. Tara's insights and experiences offer valuable lessons on how to improve care for vulnerable infants and their families. Tune in to learn more about this groundbreaking approach and how it can make a difference.
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