Child Development and
Public Health
A public health topic that is meaningful to me is Sudden
infant death syndrome (SIDS). The reason
is a very personal one. Two weeks after
the birth of my third child, friends of mine suffered the unexpected death of
their 23 months old son. It was devastating
for them, their family, their friends, and their community. Through counseling and support, they have
turned this tragedy into something remarkable.
They have established a foundation, in the child’s name, to raise money
to send other children, from their community, to music and summer camps. I admire Steve and Lori Yang for their
strength and character in the face of such a traumatic event in their
lives. I have included a link to the
foundation’s website at the bottom of this post.
In Australia, they have an interesting program called SIDS and Kids which is dedicated to
saving the lives of babies and children during pregnancy, birth, infancy and
childhood and supporting bereaved families (website SIDS and Kids). They contribute a sizable amount of money
towards research into the possible causes and prevention of infant death, SIDS,
stillbirth, and health promotion (website SIDS and Kids). Their major fund raiser is called Red Nose
Day. On this day, people wear a red nose
for a day to be silly for a serious cause, which has helped to draw awareness
to their cause (website SIDS and Kids). SIDS and Kids offers support services 24
hours a day. Their current health promotion is SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping, which is evidence based and provides
families, infant caregivers, and health professionals with information about
how to reduce the risk of SIDS and fatal sleeping accidents and create a safe
sleeping environment for babies (website SIDS and Kids). Below are their recommendations found on
their website:
-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 birth and after
-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 if you can
Dianne, my cousin lost her first born to SIDS and because my son was a premmie he was at greater risk of dying from SIDS. I admire your friends courage and the wonderful things they are doing for other children. Thank you for the information.
ReplyDeleteDiane,
ReplyDeleteSIDS is a devastating and mysterious tragedy. I personally have not known anyone who has experienced this. I have however, through my work worked with people who this happens to. In fact one of my colleagues had a baby die of SIDS in her care. She was treated as a suspect at first until the investigation was completed. I know back many years ago parents were treated this wya as well. I suppose that all we can do is keep researching and learning. Meanwhile hearts are hurt and emotional scarred for life when this happens.
I like what your friends have done and paid forward toward the community to help others who experience this.
Thank you for your research.
Thank you for sharing your story. As Tracey also stated it is the mystery of the losss that is so very hard for those who suffer this loss the deal with. not a car accident, or a disease just suddenly gone.
ReplyDelete