Sudden Infant death is particularly important to me because
it is not only devastating to the families but as unclear as to the cause.
SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is defined as an
unexplained sudden death of an infant 1month to 1 year. SIDS has claimed the life of over 2,500
infants a year within the United
States http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sleep/sids.html.
In countries such as Africa and Asia,
it is a custom for most infants to sleep close to their mothers, as oppose to
the education society receives on the risk of suffocation and over heating the
infant. In a precious article that talked about Asian customs, it discussed how
SIDS is quite lower in Asian countries because parents learn their child’s body
movements, sleep patterns, respiratory sounds, as well as monitor body
temperatures http://www.health24.com/Medical/Diseases/Sudden-Infant-Death-Syndrome-SIDS-20120721.
This subject is important to me because a year ago I taught
a little girl who lost her infant to SIDS at the age of 3 months. The mother
was young and addicted to street drugs, while returning home from a night out,
she decided to take her child out of her crib to hold her, and fell asleep with
the child on the couch beside her. Not gathering the full details, the report
came back as SIDS, however a part of me thinks that with proper education
before exiting the hospital after giving birth can help families prevent these
tragedy from happening, I say, prevent because I am not aware of every child’s
death do to SIDS, but I have worked with a few young parents that have lost
their child to SIDS.
The Purple Crying video is a great way to help families learn
more about SIDS, Postpartum, and how to really take care of your infant as
well as your self after bringing your infant home.
The Period of Purple Crying video below:
http://youtu.be/ksVx6LfvFjs
Hello Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteGreat post I also agree that Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is very devastating to the families and other in their circle. Our hearts goes out to anyone who has lost a loved one, but when there is a connection to the family it becomes more personal. I somehow thought that with the resources in today’s society the number of death caused by SIDS a year would have been lower. I also think that there should be more educational information on SIDS. Thank you for promoting educational information that may be a useful resource about how to properly lay or care for an infant to prevent SIDS.
Hi Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteThank you for mentioning the Period of Purple Crying. I have received training on SIDS, but I don't recall if the workshop covered the crying behaviors of infants. While on YouTube, I also viewed Dr. Ronald Barr's explanation of the Period of Purple Crying. As Dr. Barr states; "The period of purple crying is apart of normal behavioral development." It is important for parents, relatives, and other caregivers to know that even though a baby's cry might be frustrating, it is normal.
Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteI understand the view point of the SIDS among Africa countries and their customs. However I was not aware of some Asian countries that the rate was so low. I think it is a great help for children not to be with parents in the bed since they could also suffocate and possible lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. I wounder when the Asian countries think that is okay to let the child in their space when sleeping, since they have a lower rate. I congratulate you on finding information that is new and relevant to today's customs and lifestyles around the world.