Opinions
DATE: October 17, 2005
Letters to the Editor
Raleigh News and Observer
[email protected]
Dear Editor:
Reading the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP)
updated recommendations regarding Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome (New word on how to curb
SIDS - October 10)
it is apparent that SIDS continues to afflict our society.
In North Carolina, 100 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly
each year.
Tasked with coordinating the N.C. Back to Sleep Campaign,
the North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation strongly
endorses the latest recommendations.
Since the inception of the Back to Sleep message in
1994, statewide SIDS deaths have declined sharply,
coinciding with increased awareness of recommended
sleep positioning, but have begun to plateau. Promoting
modifiable risk reduction behaviors including limiting
exposure to secondhand smoke and creating a "safe sleep" environment,
free of excess bedding and pillows, are staples of
reduction efforts.
Two of the more significant AAP recommendations encourage
back-only (and not side) sleep positioning and discourage
bed sharing. Rather than sleeping with their baby,
parents should offer the protection of a sleep environment
designed for babies such as a crib or bassinet. For
those who want their babies nearby, the crib or bassinet
can be placed in the parent's room, allowing for safe,
easy access for breastfeeding and care.
Recently, our state has experienced an increase in
accidental infant suffocation and strangulation due
to bed sharing and unsafe sleep environments. These
accidental deaths are preventable!
Promotion of risk reducing behaviors is central to
impacting the tragedy of SIDS in North Carolina. We
want to continue to empower parents as we advance our
mission to help babies sleep safer.
Christine O'Meara, M.A., M.P.H.
N.C. Back to Sleep Campaign, Campaign Coordinator
North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation
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