Today, there are many public health measures such as vaccinations, that help to prolong the lives of children. Sudden infant death syndrome is "a situation in which a seemingly healthy infant, as least 2 months of age, suddenly stops breathing and dies unexpectedly while asleep" (Berger, 2009, p. 153). The death of a child to SIDS must be horrible for expectant parents. There are many suggestions that children should sleep on their backs while being in a cool room and not have too many loose blankets. In England, in the 1980s a study was done by the Briton Medical Journal examining rates of SIDS to different ethnic groups. The study found that children who co-slept with their child had a lower risk of SIDS than children who slept along due to the fact of the mother's close proximity and contact. While SIDS cases continue to happen though out the world rates have been declining. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant to keep a check on baby while baby sleeps during the night and never put baby to sleep on their stomach.
Reference
Blarajan, R., Raleigh, V., and Botting, B. (1989). Briton Medical Journal. 298 pg. 716-721.
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From research that I have read, another way for parents to help reduce the risk of SIDS is to breastfeed. I have also found more information stating that co-sleeping increases the risk. Did your reference explain more about how proximity of the mother effects the risk?
ReplyDeleteCo-sleeping is best practioce i think as well. The child for whatever reason does much better in close proximity. I also think that is very difficult for working breastfeeding moms. I tried so hard to wake up and feed throughout the night then place the baby back in the bassenet. It is easier said than done. Sleepy babies take forever to nurse at night. I found myself on my side in bed nursing the baby throughout the night. I see now after much research how dangerous that really was. I now know I was blessed a many a night.
ReplyDeleteJoseph, as a child growing up with seven brothers and sisters with three or four of us sleeping in the same bed was called "Co-sleeping", When my children were babies I would sleep with them on my chest.(bonding)
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