by Kendra Schooley
8/30/11September was “Infant Death Awareness Month”, in which SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), stillbirths, and other SIUD (sudden infant unknown deaths) are recognized. SIDS is the sudden death of an infant under one year old. Since 1983, SIDS is at an all time low. However, it’s still the cause of 2500 deaths every year. SIDS normally occurs within the second to fourth months of life. Stillbirths occur when the infant dies in the uterus. Stillbirths are found in one in every hundred pregnancies. The majority of stillbirths happen before labor, however there are occurrences during labor and delivery. Neoga’s Family and Consumer Science teacher, Mrs. Sheri Schafer, covers this issue in her classes. When asked about the importance of this issue, she responded, “Education about infant care has reduced the number of SIDS deaths. For example, it is now recommended to lay the infant on their back, not the belly. Also, no extra bedding should be left in the crib.”
