Eat, Sleep and Console is a new concept in Newborn Intensive Care Units. This program is for babies born addicted to drugs. In the past, the most effective way to wean an infant was to give them medication. This program offers an alternative.
Parents become partners with the health care team. They are asked to commit the majority of their time to be with their baby. Holding, feeding and consoling babies is critical to self-weaning.
Babies will likely experience signs of withdrawal. However, if they can eat on demand, sleep and be consoled through these difficult times, the use of medications is drastically reduced. And, often, they go home sooner.
Parents are not always available, though. Generous volunteers have stepped up and come in at all times, day or night, to help care for these babies.
