We know that kratom is legal in most US states. We know that opioid use among pregnant women is on the rise in the United States, but whether kratom should be classified as an opioid is a matter of some debate. Meanwhile, there is much that we don’t know about kratom, and its effect on the fetus or the breastfeeding infant/child.

Join Marie and her guest, neonatologist Whitney Eldridge, MD, as they discuss many aspects of kratom use. How is kratom similar to or different from opioids? What are some short-term and long-term effects of kratom exposure on newborns? What questions should mothers raise before consuming kratom? Since it does not show up on routine urine testing, what are the most salient points for the healthcare provider to pursue in terms of data-gathering, recognition of adverse effects, and managing the baby? You won’t find all of the answers here, but you’ll learn to ask more and better questions.