SIDS
When one becomes a parent, an automatic parental instinct is gained; hence you do all it takes to protect your baby.
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However, some possible threats to the baby, especially SIDS, can be very difficult to comprehend. (SIDS) -Sudden infant death syndrome- is a nightmare to many parents, particularly the ones with newborns below the age of six months; this is because a sleeping baby could pass on for no reason.
It is normal for such parents to want to keep a close eye for any possible signs.
According to medical doctors and pediatricians, the SIDS does not have any particular warning signs or symptoms.
Still, a few of its causes have been identified, although the research is not conclusive.
Here are a few causes of SIDS;
Infant development
According to medical researchers, SIDS has clearly shown a reflection of delayed or abnormality in nerve cell development within the infant’s brain.
These cells are believed to be very crucial to normal lung and heart function.
The nerve cells from infants that are diagnosed with SIDS have proven delayed development in the establishment and function of the nerve cells pathways in the brain, which are essential to breathing, regulating heart rate and pressure reactions that keep infants awake.
Stresses during the breathing process
Infants should be placed on their backs, when an infant lay on their stomach the airflow is reduced around the mouth; this causes the infant to re-breathe toxic air that is exhaled.
Hard and firm objects are essential during this process because soft materials like blankets tend to trap air impairing its flow around the infant’s mouth and nose.
Temperature increase
Covering the infant super-soft things such as blankets might increase the temperature levels around the infant, which could cause an upsurge metabolic rate in babies leading to lack of breathing control.
Nevertheless, the theory has not been proven that temperature increase can act as an independent cause or it is because of a lot of clothing that could prevent airflow.
How to reduce SIDS risks
SIDS hardly happens during the first month.
However, the risk increases in babies at the age of two to four months and later decreases.
Since the syndrome’s causes are not completely known, the parents must keep in mind that even though there are no conclusive cautionary signs and symptoms, there are still several ways that the parents can do to mitigate their baby’s risk.
They include;
Placing the infant on their back when sleeping and during naps.
Laying on the back position is very safe for infants to one-year-old babies; this is mainly because when babies are placed on their backs, there is free airflow around their nose and mouth, making the breathing process bearable.
However, infants who get used to sleeping on their backs and are laid on their stomachs could be at high risk of SIDS.
Using a flat and firm sleeping surface for babies.
The infants should lay on surfaces that are firm and flat to enhance their breathing exercise.
Exclusive breastfeeding reduces SIDs risks.
Studies have shown that exclusive breastfeeding of infants has health advantages for both parties (mother and baby); this is because breast milk has several nutrients that prevent the baby from SIDS risks.
For the first six months of the baby, they should be closely monitored by their parents or caregivers.
For instance, during feeding, the infant should be monitor to avoid choking.
Also, soft materials should be kept away during this process for the baby’s safety.
The baby should be given enough tummy time.
Infants and babies should be given tummy time when they are wide awake, or a parent or caregiver is looking after them.
Tummy time aims at strengthening the infant’s muscles, such as the back, arms, and shoulders.
This time also inhibits back flat spots on the baby.
The amount of time spent in rock and play car seats should be limited.
Track the rules and guidance given by healthcare providers.
Infants should go for vaccines and regular checkups.
These checkups safeguard the infant’s heath state, hence reducing the risks of SIDS.
Regulate temperatures when babies are sleeping.
During naps and at night, the infants should be dressed in light clothing or sleeping sacks that are not too loose during those periods.
This reduces the chances of the infants suffocating while sleeping.
Always ensure the head and face are not covered.
Products avoidance.
Parents should completely evade products that go against sleep safe approval, for example, products that assert to prevent the SIDS risk.
This is because, currently, there is no medically proven method to stop SIDS.
The products in the market that claim to put infants in the right position should be avoided.
Coping mechanisms after losing an infant to SIDS
Grief is a long-term process; parents and family members tend to respond differently during the loss of a baby.
For some, the loss can strain the family relationships, and for others, it’s the loss that pulls them closer.
Besides parents grieving, may also be struggling with a pool of emotions such as denial, guilt, negligence, anger, and depression.
Enough support from other family members, close friends, church leaders, and doctors is very significant for their recovery.
Psychologists have put in place different mechanisms for families experiencing the pain of losing their child.
The mechanisms include;
To talk with a close friend or family member on how you are feeling. During such loss, it is good to lean on people that care about you. Spending time with family and friends assists you to accept the loss in a faster manner, hence reducing the amount of pain you experience.
To join a support group. Grief can be a very lonely process after losing a loved one. Sharing your sorrows with others who have gone through similar experiences can be of great help.
To talk to a psychologist or counselor, when a parent loses a baby, it feels like too much to bear, finding the right professional with experience of similar cases will assist you in working through the intense feelings and how to overcome them.
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