Drug addiction and parenting aren’t really two things that should happen at the same time, but for 60,000 children in Scotland, such is their life. There are health and social workers who are trying to help, but they usually step in after the babies are born. Another project is attempting to tackle the problem before that point.

A recent BBC News piece focused on the Vulnerable in Pregnancy (VIP) initiative. The point of this project is to help drug addicted women overcome their drug problem before the baby is born.

VIP is run by the NHS Fife and Fife Council and has successfully helped clients stay clean. One woman had started on heroin at the age of 20. She is now clean – and has been for two years – as a result of the project and the support she receives.

The use of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy puts the unborn child at risk of early birth, being underweight at birth and birth defects. Babies are also known to suffer withdrawal symptoms as they become addicted to whatever substance the mother is addicted to in the womb.

There are a number of women who seek rapid detoxification when they discover their pregnancy. The problem with this approach is that it can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and distress for the unborn child. VIP focuses on stabilizing the mother with a methadone program that also encourages her to breastfeed once the child is born.

The project is finding success as many of these mothers do not want their children to be born with addictions and they are justifiably afraid they could lose them if they are unable to sort out their own lives. This motivation helps contribute to the success of the VIP program.