SIDS
SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant who is younger than 1 year
old. It's a frightening prospect because it can strike without warning, usually
in seemingly healthy babies. Most SIDS deaths are associated with sleep (hence
the common reference to "crib death") and infants who die of SIDS
show no signs of suffering ("sudden infant death," 2014).
In my current profession, our regulation
requires us to check all the infants at least five times every hour and check
off on a list to verify that we are checking our infants. It is very important
that we check on the infants to make sure that they are breathing or prevent
anything that could cause death. I feel that this regulation is a good one
because it can do no harm and only help us spot emergencies quicker. My husband
is a firefighter on the military instillation and they are responsible to
respond to not only fires but also medical calls. My husband has come home
several times with stories of homes that he has responded to where infants have
passed due to SIDS throughout his career. It’s very painful to see him come
home on the days that he has had a tough call and hear of the stories that he
tell. It’s not much anyone can do once you know that a child has passed away
and it’s frustrating when you don’t have the answers as to why. I feel that this topic is very meaningful to
me because I work with children every day and I am in constant contact with
infants. I feel that if I can provide parents that come through my center with
the proper education and resources that it could help prevent the death of an
infant. Some parents are young and just want to do things that are convenient
for them without actually knowing the risk they are actually taking. SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants 1 month to 1
year old, and claims the lives of about 2,500 each year in the United States.
It remains unpredictable despite years of research ("sudden infant death," 2014).
Japan has one of the lowest SIDS rates in the world (between
.2 and .3 babies per 1000 live births compared with approximately .5 per 1000
infants for the US). The Japan SIDS Family Organization reported that SIDS
rates continue to decline in Japan as maternal smoking approaches practically
0, and exclusive breastfeeding reaches around 70-75
%. In fact, one report shows that as bed sharing and breastfeeding increased
and as maternal smoking decreased, SIDS rates decreased. This suggests yet again
that it is not necessarily bed sharing, but how it is practiced, that can be
dangerous (McKenna, 2007). I found this article very interesting. The
article stated that as bed sharing and breastfeeding
increased and as maternal smoking decreased, SIDS rates decreased. Personally, I think that I would have to do a little more research on the topic before I was totally sold on the idea that bed sharing decreased the chances of SIDs.
increased and as maternal smoking decreased, SIDS rates decreased. Personally, I think that I would have to do a little more research on the topic before I was totally sold on the idea that bed sharing decreased the chances of SIDs.
McKenna, J. (2007). Cosleeping around the world. Retrieved from
http://www.naturalchild.org/james_mckenna/cosleeping_world.html
Sudden infant death syndrome. (2014,
January 13). Retrieved from
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/sleep/sids.html
Alacia,
ReplyDeleteI have never experienced SIDS and don't know anyone who have gone through this, but SIDS can be prevented by putting the infant to sleep on his/her back, a firm mattress separate from but close to caregivers, no loose bedding, a relatively cool sleeping environment, using a pacifier, and avoidance of exposure to tobacco smoke.
Alacia,
ReplyDeleteSIDS is a scary fact and very disheartening. I was always afraid of my kids sleeping on their bellies, especially when they were young. I had to watch them to make sure I saw their bellies move to show that they were still breathing. In the center I used to work at, in 2000, parents were able to choose how they wanted their kids to sleep. Later on that year, we had place a card that stated back to sleep, so that all the caregivers knew that each of the infants had to be placed on their backs, the only time they were able to sleep on their bellies if they turned on their own. The stats that you stated on Japan are amazing, how they have the lowest numbers of deaths. Thanks for sharing your views on SIDS.
Great Post! SIDS is very scary. I check on 3 months old daughter all the time while she is sleeping. What's sad is the fact I still check on my two years old daughter. (I wonder at what age do a parent stop checking on their children while they are sleep?) I have to be honest, both of my children sleeps in the bed with me. I am ready for my two year old to be in her own bed, but that transitioning is very challenging. I allow them to sleep in the bed with me because, I was afraid of something happening to them. One day SOON they both will be in their beds!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! SIDS is so scary and it is amazing how much research has "helped" but there is so much more. I am sure your husband has such a hard time when they receive those calls. So sad and something no one is prepared for.
ReplyDelete