This puzzling and devastating occurrence takes the lives of thousands of infants every year. "In 2010, 2,063 deaths were reported as SIDS, 918 as cause unknown, and 629 as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed" (CDC, 2013). It leaves parents not only dealing with the devastating loss but with many unanswered questions. What causes this sudden loss? The Mayo Clinic (2013) lists physical and environmental factors as contributing factors to SIDS: low birth weight, brain abnormalities, respiratory infection, sleep position (side and stomach), sleeping surface, and co-sleeping.
"Since 1983, the rate of SIDS has fallen by over 50%" (American SIDS Institute, 2009). Several campaigns have contributed to this decrease, one of them being the "Safe to Sleep," campaign formally known as "Back to Sleep." What does SIDS look like on an international level?
"SIDS data were obtained for 13 of 17 countries queried (Table 1). For most of these countries, there has been a striking decrease in the SIDS rate from 1990 to the most recent year available (2005 for all but Canada, for which 2004 data are the most recent). These decreases range from 40% in Argentina to 83% in Ireland. The highest SIDS rates in 1990 (≥2.0 in 1000 live births) were in Ireland, New Zealand, and Scotland. More recently, the highest SIDS rates (≥0.5 in 1000 live births) were in New Zealand and the United States. The lowest rates (≤ 0.2 in 1000) were in Japan and the Netherlands. Since 2000, the SIDS rates in most of the countries have declined minimally" (Pediatrics, 2013).
This issue is very difficult to talk about. When my sister-in-law had her second child doctors had her wear a monitor for the first year of her life and when I got pregnant we purchased a similar monitor. This monitor would sound an alarm if the child stopped moving or breathing for a certain length of time.The passing of my husband's niece had made us all extremely nervous and scared. To this day it is very difficult for him to talk about. I was a little nervous bringing it up, when I asked if I could discuss it on my blog. I think all of the topics that were given to us this week as an option for discussion will have an impact on my future work. I am learning about advocacy and what I can do to contribute. I hope that through the incorporation of my performance art and education that I will be able to make a difference.
CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/SIDS/
Darcie,
ReplyDeleteSince the advent of the Back to Sleep program the federal government started back in the 1990's, the rates for SIDS deaths has declined substantially. I worked in a Pediatric clinic back then and teaching about SIDS, was one of the most important topics I had to teach about. Even when new moms would say the baby won't sleep on her back, I would try to instill in the parent the importance of back sleeping. Many didn't understand but took the advice anyway. Hopefully, I did save a few lives. Great post!
True and infant sleeping can be such a challenge for new parents or any parent. It is a phase that leaves many caving into any tactic that will work. What advice did you offer? I never had an issue with my daughter sleeping on her back...she didn't cry or fuss. But how does one handle an infant who refuses to sleep on their back? Did you recommend CIO; which is another controversial topic??
ReplyDeleteDarcie
Thanks for posting such a personal story with us. I learned a lot from the information you posted about SIDS prevention and about the ideal sleep position for babies.
ReplyDeleteHello Darcie,
ReplyDeleteMothers or fathers having to cope with Sudden Infant Syndrome (SIDS) are a very sad situation. I can only imagine what you and your family have gone through. In a situation like this I feel one never gets the closer they deserve because of the unanswered questions as to “WHY” and “HOW” this happened. I am sorry for your loss. Yes, all the topics that were given this week will have an impact on majority of our future work. I have gained a great deal of knowledge through this class and my fellow colleagues.
Hello Darcie,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your families lost. I can remember when the Back to sleep program was introduced. I was working at a child care center. Many of the children would cry when you put them to sleepon their back. It was an adjustment for the child and the caregiver. This program surely is saving many infants lives.