Comparison of a rocking bed and standard bed for decreasing withdrawal symptoms in drug-exposed infants.

PURPOSE: To determine if the use of a mechanical rocking bed with maternal intrauterine sounds would decrease symptoms of withdrawal and promote neurobehavioral adaptation in drug-affected infants.

METHODS

This was a repeated measures experimental design, with infants randomized to a standard bed or a rocking bed. The sample consisted of 14 full-term infants who were prenatally exposed to methadone plus other illicit drugs.

RESULTS

Infants receiving the rocking bed therapy experienced a significant increase in withdrawal symptoms and sleep deprivation and displayed suboptimal neurobehavioral functioning on day 7 of life.

IMPLICATIONS: The results suggest that the use of a mechanical rocking bed may be overstimulating for these fragile infants during the acute period of withdrawal.