Infant of a substance-using mother: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if a baby:
Stops breathing, struggles to breathe, or turns blue or grey
Has a seizure
Is limp, unresponsive, or cannot be awakened
May have swallowed or touched an unsafe substance
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent medical care the same day if a baby:
Has a rectal temperature of 38°C or higher and is under 3 months old
Is feeding much less than usual or repeatedly vomits
Has far fewer wet diapers or other signs of dehydration
Is increasingly difficult to wake or comfort
Has worsening shaking, stiffness, or unusual movements
Develops fast breathing, marked sweating, or poor colour
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate for concerns about weight gain, sleep, muscle tone, hearing, vision, behaviour, language, or developmental milestones when the child is otherwise well.
Arrange an earlier appointment if these changes are persistent or getting worse.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Infant of a substance-using mother. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.