FEAR AND SHAME STOPPED MUM HELPING HER SON

REFORMED addict Jackie spent six months at the Trevi House rehab centre with her newborn son.

He had developed drug withdrawal symptoms after she gave birth in 2016.

Jackie said: “While I was pregnant I was taking about £100 of heroin a day, as well as crack cocaine. I was drinking too.

“I hated myself for it. I knew I was harming my baby. But I was also scared that withdrawing would harm my baby too.

“I didn’t try to get help as I felt so ashamed. I was also terrified of social services taking my baby away, like they did with my last child.

“Eventually, when I was about five months pregnant I got into trouble for shoplifting. Police suspected I was pregnant and told social services.”

Jackie’s son was born addicted to heroin and, within a day, starting displaying withdrawal symptoms.

She said: “He was shaking and projectile vomiting. They took him into intensive care.

“It was so upsetting and for me it was a lightbulb moment. I didn’t want this to be my life any more.

“I knew I wouldn’t be able to look after my son if I couldn’t look after myself.” Jackie’s baby lived with foster parents while she attended a day treatment centre. After six months she finally convinced a judge to give her and her son the chance of a new life together. And after they spent their six months at Trevi House, Jackie was able to leave and set up a home with her little boy, now a healthy 20-month-old. Jackie, 43, did not forget who had helped her. She now supports women who have been through similar ordeals by working as a peer mentor at Trevi House.