SIDS and the Minority Parent

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of an infant who is one year old or younger. Also referred to as "crib death", SIDS is the leading cause of death in children between one month and one year old. SIDS occurs in one to two of every 1000 live births. Black, American Indian, and Native Alaskan babies are more susceptible to SIDS and have shown a higher rate of occurrences. While we've seen an overall decline in the number of SIDS cases in recent years, the decline is considerably less significant among minority babies. We need to better educate and inform our minority communities in order to reverse this trend. Although health care professionals don't know what causes SIDS, they do know ways to reduce the risk. Here are three preventative steps that every minority parent should heed:

1. Avoid smoking during pregnancy and near the infant. Smoking by a parent, especially the mother during pregnancy has an adverse impact on the infant. Though not a direct cause of SIDS, the use of tobacco around infant may underscore other unhealthy practices that contribute to the overall volatility of the infant's routines and care. Minority parents who take the precaution to avoid exposing their infant to second hand smoke, will also be more prone to focus on the specific environmental needs of the infant. Eliminating infant exposure to tobacco smoke can lead to the decrease in the routines that directly lead to SIDS.

2. Breast-feeding is extremely beneficial to the infant, and can serve as a preventative measure regarding SIDS. Breast milk contains more vitamins and antibodies than other forms of milk. It is more digestible and better for the infant brain. Breast milk is ideal for a child and helps prevent virtually all diseases and infections. Low birth weight and premature delivery among minority babies seem to link directly to an increased potential of SIDS. The nourishment of an infant is essential in ensuring the health and proper weight of the child. Therefore, breast-feeding is an important preventative measure against SIDS, and the increase in the number of minority mothers breast-feeding their baby will have a direct impact on the decline in SIDS.

3. Positioning the infant on his or her back when sleeping has a direct effect on the decline of SIDS. Initially parents were encouraged to place their children on their stomachs while sleeping. This conventional wisdom was incorrect. It was discovered that the numbers of SIDS declined rapidly among cultures and families who placed their children on their backs to sleep. This finding has led to a revised approach to how we position our infants during sleep. It is now accepted that 'back to sleep' ...is safest. Also, providing your baby with a pacifier has recently been determined to be effective in stemming the number of SIDS occurrences. Every minority parent should be aware that SIDS and co-sleeping have been linked; so avoid co-sleeping with your infant if possible.

According to www.sidsprevention.com, some additional steps that the minority parent can take to prevent SIDS is not confine the baby so that it can't move its arms, legs and head. We should also avoid placing the baby in a "protective" valley of pillows, blankets or clothing that might cause an 'air dam'. Avoid raising the heat in the baby's room (cool is just fine). Check the baby often, and don't be afraid of entering baby's room in order to avoid waking him or her.Introduce air currents in baby's room. Consider using a fan blowing up to the ceiling or against a wall can create gentle air currents in an open crib.

The decline in SIDS is the result of a better understanding of culture, routine, and familial habits. As we look to continue to prevent SIDS from occurring, as minority parents let's remember these three basic preventative steps. Hopefully with further education, we will continue to see the rapid decline of SIDS in our all parts of our society.

SOURCES
Mayo Clinic
Sidsfamilies.com
National Institute of Health
Associated Content
The Free Library