Breastfeeding as a SIDS preventor

 
I heard this week that the SIDS organisation have recently announced that breastfeeding definitely is a protective factor against  SIDS.

For those who work with infants particularly, this is a long suspected fact however there has been no definitive announcement until recently.

The SIDS organisation was commenced in the mid 1980’s and since its inception, has significantly reduced the number of SIDS deaths in Australia and around the world.

The statistics since it’s inception are available on their website if you are interested. SIDS and Kids has over 20 years of research on infants and unexplained deaths.  The highest risk time for SIDS is between 2-4 months, continuing till 6 months at a high rate and on to 18 months at a lower rate.

From their research and statistics they have recently reviewed and come up with the recommendation that you breastfeed for as long as possible.

This is nothing startling to anyone I know, however from a safe sleep point of view it is a new statement.

I am guessing it is to do with the fact that breastfed babies tend to stir more frequently and so not get into such a deep sleep for as long.   Their research suggests the risk is reduced by half when you breastfeed for as long as possible.

All their previous recommendations apply. Their updated recommendations are as follows.

The six ways to sleep baby safely and reduce the risk of sudden and unexpected death in infancy:   

1.Sleep baby on the back from birth, not on the tummy or side   

 2.Sleep baby with head and face uncovered   

 3.Keep baby smoke free before birth and after   

 4.Provide a safe sleeping environment night and day   

 5.Sleep baby in their own safe sleeping place in the same room as an adult care-giver for the first six to twelve months   

 6.Breastfeed baby if you can.

In the times when breastfeeding is interrupted prematurely, implementing the additional recommendations about safe sleeping will continue to offer steps to reduce the risk of SIDS.

The link to their website-   http://www.sidsandkids.org/category/news/