By Alison Rhodes

 

 

The health and well being of your baby starts well before the first moment you hold her.

While the majority of people will deliver a healthy baby, many parents will face the tragic reality of miscarriage, stillbirth and, once their baby is born, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Unfortunately many of these cases are unpreventable.

But, by following a list of guidelines developed by First Candle/SIDS Alliance, the nations leading organization dedicated to infant health and survival, you can provide your baby with the best chance to survive and thrive.

As Soon as Pregnancy is Confirmed

Prenatal Care Starts Early. Maintaining good prenatal care for you and your unborn baby, including proper nutrition and frequent medical checkups, is the first step to protecting your baby against SIDS, stillbirth and other causes of infant death. Research shows that some babies are more vulnerable to SIDS than others due to an abnormality in their brainstem that occurs as the fetus is developing. Maternal conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and blood clotting disorders also increase the risk of stillbirth if not detected and treated during pregnancy.

Do not smoke during your pregnancy. Babies whose mothers smoke during pregnancy are at 2-3 times higher risk for SIDS and stillbirth, and that risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked. Risk is increased even further if baby is exposed to second hand smoke after he or she is born.

Communicate with your doctor throughout your pregnancy. Share any concerns you may have about your pregnancy with your doctor, but call immediately if you experience any vaginal bleeding, leakage or sharp pain at any point in your pregnancy. These could be signs of complications that could lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or a low birth-weight baby that is at increased risk for SIDS.

Nationally recognized child safety expert Alison Rhodes has dedicated herself to keeping kids safe. Her passion was born out of tragedy – in 1997 she lost her first child to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Since then, she has become a leading spokesperson for infant safety and SIDS risk-reduction. As a former member of the board of directors for First Candle, the national organization focusing on SIDS and other infant deaths, as well as founder of the Connecticut SIDS Alliance, Alison is frequently called upon to be a guest speaker on infant and child safety issues. Find our more by visiting her website, www.thesafetymom.com.

 

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