SIDS is a term used when a baby’s death cannot be explained even after thorough medical examination. Some refer to it as (Crib Death) or “cot death” because the majority of infants affected die in their cribs. Others refer to it as sudden unexplainable infant death syndrome (SUIDS). SIDS is strongly associated with sleep. Although infants who die do not show any signs of pain or suffering, and the victims appear to be healthy before their death. SIDS occurs without any warning, and is the leading cause of death in children below the age of one year.
The exact causes of SIDS are not known, but it is suggested that suffocation, choking, and infection are not the cause. SIDS is also not contagious. Although I thought my daughter could catch something or would die if I went over to my friend’s house after the death of her baby. This was years ago, but the stigma of not knowing and not understanding death and SIDS still exist today.
I tried to find something about Uganda or Somalia that would reflect on living conditions or lack of adequate health care in some areas as a possible cause. The only thing that I found was that HIV was a major concern in some areas where I researched. SIDS is something that affects all nations, nationalities, and people. The risk of SIDS is higher in males. The age range is believe to be between age two three months, although babies up to a year have been diagnosed with SIDS. Other risk factors are low weight, premature babies, sleeping on the stomach, sleeping on soft bedding, smoking or abusing drugs during pregnancy and according to the US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development some ethnic groups such as African American are at greater risk.
Prevention of SIDS cannot be guaranteed since the cause is unknown, but some things that have been suggested that we do to help reduce the risk of SIDS are:
o Always place baby on back when sleeping
o Avoid smoking near baby
o Keep a comfortable room temperature
o Keep soft objects and loose bedding away from area
o Provide firm sleeping surface
As I read and learn about different parts of the world, I understand that certain diseases can affect you regardless of you race or cultural preferences. Although it is suggested that SIDS is a area of concern, that seems to target males and African American children the most. It is not limited to them only. SIDS is no respecter of persons and it can affect anyone including my children born under the age of one year.
