Latest updates to SIDS
safe sleeping guidelines
Welcome to the latest edition of my newsletter.
This month I felt it was important to share with you some new
information and reinforce the existing information on how we can help prevent
Sudden and Unexpected Death in Infancy or SUDI (which includes SIDS).
SIDS and Kids have just released a very important new piece of information in
regards to risk factors and reducing the incidence of SUDI
which I felt was important for all my clients, readers and friends to know.
SIDS and Kids have revised their safe sleeping guidelines to include -
'breastfeed your baby if you can'
In the past SIDS and Kids has advised that there is no consistent evidence
that formual-feeding increases the risk of SIDS or that breastfeeding reduces the risk.
However, released just last week SIDS and Kids has revised this information.
According to research that has been ongoing over the last 15 years,
breastfeeding a baby more than halves the chances of a baby dying suddenly
and unexpectedly. 1.
Author of the review and safe sleeping expert, Adjunct Professor
Jeanine Young, says "consistent findings of studies conducted over
the past 15 years show that along with maternal and infant health benefits,
breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of sudden and unexpected infant death,
including SIDS."
18 studies where analysed during this process and the studies showed that
the risk of sudden and unexpected infant death is significantly reduced for
mothers who exclusively breastfeed and for a longer duration of breastfeeding.
This is fantastic news for all mothers and mothers to be in knowing that where
possible not only is breastfeeding the best option for both Mother and baby on
many fronts but it can also help reduce the risk of SUDI.
If you are a breastfeeding mother OR, for whatever reason if you are not a
breastfeeding mother SIDS and Kids along with Adjunct Professor Jeanine
Young have stressed that while the link to breastfeeding and sudden and
unexpected infant death has been confirmed it is only ONE of the now SIX
crucial recommendations to helping to keep your baby safe.
The six identified ways to sleep baby safely and reduce the risk of sudden
and unexpected death in infancy are:
- Sleep baby on the back from birth, not on the tummy or side
- Sleep baby with head and face uncovered
- Keep baby smoke free before and after birth
- Provide a safe sleeping environment night and day
- Sleep baby in their own safe sleeping place in the same room as an
- adult care-giver for the first six to twelve months
- Breastfeed baby if you can.
If, for whatever personal reason you are not breastfeeding your baby please
don't worry as this is not something that every mother is able or chooses to do.
What is important is that you are aware of ALL the risk factors outlined by SIDS
and Kids and you can make educated choices for you and your family.
If you are not breatfeeding your baby but following all the other 5 points
above your baby will be at less risk than lots of other babies.
Should you have any further questions regarding how to sleep your baby
as safely as possible please contact your local child health nurse or SIDS and Kids directly.
If you are a breastfeeding mother who is currently struggling with breastfeeding
and want to continue please don't feel alone there is help available.
Please seek support via our website www.saveoursleep.com,
a lactation consultant or your local child health nurse.
We have a great DVD that can help you.
Breastfeeding without tears by Clare Byam-Cook
References:1 Young J, Watson, Ellis L, Raven L. (2012) Responding to evidence:
breastfeed baby if you can - the sixth public health recommendation to reduce the risk
of sudden and unexpected death in infancy. Breastfeeding Review Vol 20, Issue 1, pages 7-16.
http://www.sidsandkids.org/category/news/
As most of you will undoubtedly already know I am passionate about
helping parents to provide a safe sleeping environment for their babies.
This involves many aspects for me from providing what I believe to be the
best and safest baby sleep products on the market. Providing information
to my clients, readers and friends on how to set up a safe nursery what to
look for in a safe cot , how to dress your baby correctly to ensure they are
warm enough in bed and don't roll to their tummy to warm up and more
(some of this information is also included in my baby book).
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