October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome awareness month. Although there is no exact cause, there are many known methods to help reduce the risk of SIDS. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these methods include:
• Always place babies on their backs to sleep for every sleep
• Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress, in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet
• Have the baby share your room, not your bed. Your baby should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch, or on a chair alone, with you, or with anyone else
• Keep soft objects such as pillows and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area
• Prevent exposure to smoking during pregnancy and after birth
Exposure to smoke during pregnancy has been linked to increased risk of infant death for many years now. Approximately 13.5 percent of women in Indiana reported smoking during their pregnancies in 2017. However, 19 percent of women in Montgomery County reported smoking during their pregnancies.
The state of Indiana is doing significant work to improve our current ranking as the 18th worst state for infant mortality. Part of that effort is supporting pregnant smokers on the path to quitting and after quitting. Pregnant women in Montgomery County who want help to quit smoking can call the Indiana Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit QuitNowIndiana.com.
Autumn Clark
Crawfordsville
