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Mother Holding Baby Finger
Newborn

Infant Health

CARA
Program

The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, or CARA, is national legislation that promotes programs and strategies to address the impact of substance abuse and substance use disorders on individuals, communities and families. In New Mexico, the CARA Program focuses on supportive care for pregnant people affected by substance use and on the coordination of services for parents, caregivers and family members of newborns affected by substance exposure before birth.

New Mexico CARA

Supportive Care Services

Sudden unexpected infant death syndrome (suids)

The death of an infant younger than 1 year of age that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly.

neonatal OPioid withdrawal syndrome (nows)

A group of symptoms that occur in newborns exposed to addictive substances while in utero.

Shaken baby syndrome

Serious brain injury resulting from forcefully shaking an infant or toddler. Shaken baby syndrome destroys a child's brain cells and prevents his or her brain from getting enough oxygen.

 

 

Reducing Risks for Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome (SUID/SIDS)

SIDS is a sudden and silent medical disorder that can happen to an infant who seems healthy. SIDS is the leading cause of death among babies between 1 month and 1 year of age. The majority (90%) of SIDS deaths happen before a baby reaches 6 months of age. SIDS is sometimes called "crib death" or "cot death" because it is associated with the time when the baby is sleeping. Cribs themselves don't cause SIDS, but the baby's sleep environment can influence sleep-related causes of death.​ 

Practicing a Safe Sleep Environment 

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Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)

Neonatal abstinence syndrome happens when babies are exposed to drugs in the womb before birth. Babies can then be affected or go through drug withdrawal after birth. Symptoms of withdrawal may begin as soon as 24 to 48 hours after birth. Or they may start as late as 5 to 10 days after birth. At birth, the baby has become used to getting the drug. But because the drug is no longer available, the baby may have symptoms of withdrawal. 

Enrolling at Milagro Clinic

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Any pregnant woman with a history of or current substance use issues can receive care. We use buprenorphine (Subutex) to help women with opioid addictions safely transition to sobriety.

Our team of providers will monitor you and your newborn during inpatient hospital stays, forming a treatment plan based on your specific needs. We work closely with the FOCUS program to ensure you receive comprehensive treatment services after delivery.

Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a form of child abuse. Shaken baby syndrome usually occurs when a parent or caregiver severely shakes a child in frustration or anger, often because the child won't stop crying. Permanent brain damage or death may result. Symptoms include irritability, difficulty staying awake, seizures, abnormal breathing, poor eating, bruises, and vomiting.

symptoms to look out for

difficulty staying awake

vomiting

seizures

breathing problems and irregularities

dilated pupils that do not respond to light

decreased appetite

The rest may sustain life-long brain injuries, including,
Paralysis

Deafness

Learning disabilities

Developmental delays

Seizures
Cerebral palsy

Epilepsy

Behavioral disorders

permanent vegetative state

Publication History

Read about current projects, health reports, and data briefs discussing issues in maternal and child health . 

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