SID-when the dark cloud settles over the cot
Sarah edged towards the cot with her heart beating in her mouth. The baby had slept for unusually long. And every step towards the cot seemed to affirm her fears. The baby was so quiet. The covers still-not even a tweak. Her trembling hand slowly exposed the baby’s face. Lord! She is not breathing. She jerked the baby from the cot, who with the unruly handling, let out a begrudged cry. Wow! That was the best sound she had ever had. Her emotions went in more disarray; this time with relief. She was so happy that she cried with the baby. Sarah had just gotten a lot of information on cot deaths.
Cot death is also known as SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Cot death is not an illness or disease. It is actually a diagnosis given when an apparently healthy baby dies without warning and no one really knows why it happens. When doctors and investigators cannot pinpoint a reason for the death after performing a full investigation including a review of the baby’s medical notes and a post mortem examination, cot death is given as the cause. explains Dr. Njoki Fernandes.
She goes on to say that cot deaths have mostly occurred during sleep. This may be overnight in the cot or even during a nap at any time of the day. It can also happen in the parent’s arms. The number of deaths is greatest in infants who are a few weeks to six months of age. with a peak between two to four months. Most deaths occur between midnight and Sam. while the infant and the often caregiver are asleep. Interestingly. notes the doctor. the unifying features of all SIDS cases are sleep and age.
It is also more common in cold weather: again the reasons for this are not yet fully comprehended. As much it has not been scientifically established why cot deaths happen. there are a number of speculations linked to cot deaths. Studies have suggested that certain babies have a problem with the part of the brain that controls breathing and arousal (waking), so they do not respond accordingly to a breathing challenge: for example when their bedclothes cover their nose or mouth.
Other factors include:
o A history of SIDS in your family.
o Premature babies i.e. born before 37 weeks.
o Low birth weight i.e. less than 2.5kg.
o Twin or multiple births.
o The male gene-Cot death (SIDS) occurs 60 per cent among baby boys.
Reducing the risks
As much as there is no actual way to prevent cot death. Dr. Fernandes suggests a number of measures you can employ to decrease the chances. They include:-
Sleeping on the back
This is the single most important thing you can do to help protect your baby. Healthy babies placed on their back to sleep will not choke. Putting your baby on his side is not as safe as placing your baby on his back considering the presence of obstacles that may hinder the baby’s effective breathing.
At around five or six months, babies begin rolling. At this time, the risk of cot death goes down and it is safe to let your baby find her own comfortable sleeping position. However. you should still lay your baby to sleep on his back.
Do not cover her head
As you lay her to sleep. let her feet be at the foot of the cot so she cannot move down into the bedding. Keep her head uncovered by tucking her bedding in below her shoulders.
If you use a sleeping bag, make sure it is well-fitting so your baby cannot again slip inside.
Firm bedding
Use a firm. clean flat waterproof mattress covered with a single sheet. The mattress should fit the cot precisely. Other soft and fluffy surfaces are not suitable for your baby to sleep on.
Kick out smoking
Do not smoke when you are pregnant and do not allow smoking around your baby. The risk to your baby is increased if anyone in the house smokes. even if they do it in another room with an open window.
The right temperature
Signs that your baby may be overheated include sweating, damp hair. heat rash. rapid breathing, restlessness and fever. Feel your baby’s tummy or neck to see if he is getting too hot or too cold. and adjust his beddings accordingly. Do not feel his hands or feet to find out if he is warm enough as it is normal for the hands and feet to feel cold.
Keep the room your baby sleeps in ata comfortable temperature. Babies should not sleep next to a heater. fire or in direct sunlight. Do not use a hot water bottle either.
For beddings. use a sheet and cellular blankets rather than a duvet, or a well-fitted lightweight baby sleeping bag.
A sleeping bag should not be so big that your baby can wriggle into it. If your baby feels too hot. remove a blanket.
If he is cold, add one. As mentioned earlier. avoid using soft and fluffy material like duvets. quilts, bedding rolls or pillows.
Keep him nearby
Research also suggests that for the first six months it would be wise to have your baby in the room you are in when he takes his naps. A sleeping basket is a good way to keep her nearby while you go about your duties.
Her own bed
Some mums find breastfeeding easier if their baby shares the bed with them. But it is safest to put the baby back in her cot to sleep to avoid suffocating her by, for example, rolling over her.
Regular check ups
Keep up to date with your baby’s immunizations and seek medical advice if your baby is unwell. According to Dr. Fernandes, there is a link between sharing a bed all night with your baby and cot death (SIDS) if:
o You are extremely tired.
o Your baby is under three months of age.
o You smoke.
o You drink alcohol.
o You take any drugs that make you drowsy.
o Your baby was premature i.e. born before 37 weeks.
o You baby had a low birth weight i.e. less than 2.5kg.
After you have done all you need to do to keep SIDS at bay, rule out every form of anxiety and enjoy motherhood.
END: BL20/66-67