DID YOU KNOW...

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the
"sudden death of an infant under one year of age
which remains unexplained after a thorough case
investigation, including performance of a
complete autopsy, examination of the death scene,
and review of the clinical history"



Many more children die of SIDS in a year than all
who die of cancer, heart disease, pneumonia,
child abuse, AIDS, cystic fibrosis and muscular
dystrophy combined.

Most researchers now believe that babies who die
of SIDS are born with one or more conditions that
make them especially vulnerable to stresses that
occur in the normal life of an infant,
including both internal and external influences.

SIDS occurs in all types of families and is
largely indifferent to race or socioeconomic level.

SIDS is unexpected, usually occurring in
otherwise apparently healthy infants from
1 month to 1 year of age.

Most deaths from SIDS occur by the end of the
sixth month, with the greatest number
taking place between 2 and 4 months of age.

A SIDS death occurs quickly and is often
associated with sleep, with no signs of suffering.

More deaths are reported in the fall and winter
(in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres) and
there is a 60- to 40-percent male-to-female ratio.

A death is diagnosed as SIDS only after all other
alternatives have been eliminated: SIDS is a
diagnosis of exclusion.







GOD'S LITTLE CHILD

Mommy please don't be sad,
I miss you so much too.
It's beautiful here, but I worry a lot about you.
I sleep with angels watching me...
there is only love up here.
I am never lonely or afraid
because God is so very near.

I walk with Jesus every day,
He is very kind and loving.
Don't worry Mom, He holds my hand
when we cross a golden street.
I never cry or hurt myself.
I see Grandpa every day.
I play and laugh and sing a lot
and I hear you when you pray.

Please Mommy, don't be mad at God,
you see He loves me too.
And even though you are not with me,
I am really still with you
~Author Unknown







SIDS IS:

The major cause of death in infants from 1 month
to 1 year of age, with most deaths occurring
between 2 and 4 months

Sudden and silent--the infant was seemingly healthy

Currently, unpredictable and unpreventable

 Death that occurs quickly, often associated with
sleep and with no signs of suffering

Determined only after an autopsy, an examination
of the death scene, and a review of the clinical history

Designated as a diagnosis of exclusion





SIDS is not:

Caused by vomiting and choking, or minor illnesses
such as colds or infections

Caused by the diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT)
vaccines, or other immunizations

Child abuse

The cause of every unexpected infant death







PERSONAL THOUGHTS

Sadly, I never gave much thought about SIDS until our
family was visited by this silent killer...our lives and
hearts have forever been changed by the loss of one
tiny angel named Tamar! We are not alone in our grief...
7.000 families each year experience this same
devastating loss...That is nearly one baby every
hour of every day. This is so very, very sad!

PERSONAL SIDS STORIES

Bradlee's Room Remembering You
My SIDS Story Our Guardian Angel








A TOUCHING POEM

Mother, please don't mourn for me;
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight--
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach--
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful feves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which your so fond--
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring;
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on baby's face.
Just look for me, Mommy, I'm everyplace!
Author unknown







POSSIBLE PREVENTIVE MEASURES

A study conducted at Wilhelmina Children's Hospital in
Ulrecht, Netherlands, concluded that babies who sleep
with pacifiers are 20 times less likely to die of SIDS.
Researchers believe that babies who suck pacifiers are
not likely to change sleeping positions during the night
to go from back-sleeping to tummy-sleeping. Another
explanation could be that babies who suck pacifiers
learn to keep their noses open as breathing passages.
This study does not suggest that the use of pacifiers
prevent SIDS.

Placing healthy babies on back or side when sleeping.

Maintaining a smoke free environment before and after birth.

Not allowing the baby to become too hot.

Breastfeeding if possible.







Please Visit the RAOK Sids Memorial Wall





These beautiful quilt squares have been added to the
RAOK Quilt For The Cause Webring








If you'd like, you may take this graphic.
Please attach this link to it:
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Creek/9369/project8/sids.html





LINKS

The SIDS Network SIDS Links
National SIDS Resource Center
American SIDS Institute SIDS International
Facts About SIDS SIDS Australia Online
The Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths
CFSID National Memorial Wall
Illness, Health Care Information Resources
Babyhood S.I.D.S. SIDS Chat
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Alliance
SIDS - The Silent Killer Sids Talk
SIDS: The Smallest Angels Memorial Wall
Arizona Sids Alliance One Small Soul
M.I.S.S.- Mothers In Sympathy & Support
SIDS Message Board Wellness Web
American Academy of Pediatrics
Pampers Parenting Institute: SIDS




This TLC Project is dedicated to sweet Baby Angel Tamar

This RAOK T.L.C. project was made possible with
the help of the wonderful members of the T.L.C
committee and all their suggestions and ideas.
The following Members should be mentioned for
their contributions:

Webpage by Chilady
Background & Url/Link Research by Chrissy
Url/Link Research by Maggie
Link back graphic by Sue Cat
Quilt Square by Patti
Url/Link Research by Heather
Quilt Square by Gramma Nancy
Graphic and URL/link research by Zack
Url/Link Research by Diane
Url/Link Research by Mellocup9
Graphics by Mrs Owl
Graphic by Kodesmom
Graphic by Teresa
Url/Link Research by Snugs
Our TLC Committee Leader Kind Soul




TLC Committee Index