The loss of a precious baby to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a tragedy that too many North Carolina families and communities have felt. We hope this pamphlet will help answer questions about SIDS and assist you in finding comfort and support during this time of grief.
Knowing some facts about SIDS can help you understand this puzzling syndrome.
SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, the sudden and unexplained death of a baby under one year of age. SIDS is determined after an investigation and after other causes of death are ruled out. SIDS is also called "crib death" because SIDS often occurs when the baby has been sleeping in a crib and does not wake up. It is important to know that cribs do not cause SIDS.
The exact causes of SIDS are not known. Researchers are studying babies' genes, development, and surroundings to learn more about SIDS. To find clues they study the baby's brain, heart, and lungs. Not knowing the "how" or the "why" behind SIDS is hard to understand. This can be frustrating for families or caregivers. When SIDS happens, many parents or child care providers feel a deep sense of guilt. They often blame themselves.
To try and make sense of this tragedy, it is normal to ask the "why" and "what if" questions over and over again. We want to reassure families that SIDS is not your fault or the caretaker's fault.
An autopsy, an investigation of the place where the baby died, and a review of the baby's health history are key steps to learn if the baby died of SIDS.
The purpose of the autopsy is to identify a cause of death. An autopsy is done by a medical professional. The State Medical Examiner's office reviews every autopsy report. Parents, guardians, and the baby's doctor can get a copy of the report upon request.
First responders or medical emergency workers like the police, fire fighters or paramedics are usually the first to arrive when a baby is not responding. Police must investigate and gather information about the baby's death. Sometimes the Department of Social Services assists in the investigation.
A review of any symptoms or illnesses the baby had is important. The review of the baby's or family's medical history also helps determine why the baby died.
The county health department has to report every SIDS death. A SIDS Counselor may visit the family to ask questions and to learn about the baby's death. They can provide grief support or counseling to parents, grandparents and siblings.
SIDS Counselors at county health departments are a resource to families, caregivers, health professionals, and first responders in North Carolina. They have received special training about SIDS and grief. In addition to a doctor or pastor, SIDS Counselors can help families cope with their sorrow and loss.
When SIDS happens, the SIDS Counselor will try to contact the parents or guardians. SIDS Counselors' services are free and may include:
Other parents who have lost a baby to SIDS can be a source of support. SIDS Counselors can connect parents with others who can help.
Information about a SIDS death goes to the North Carolina SIDS Program. We use this information to help understand why SIDS happens and to discover how to keep SIDS from happening to other families.
Contact a SIDS Counselor at your county health department listed below:
Name:
Address:
City:
Telephone:
Email:
Hours: