According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the leading cause of death among infants aged 1-12 months, and the 3rd overall leading cause of infant mortality in the US. In a 2012 report of the Ohio Child Fatality Review, 1.045 Ohio babies died before their first birthdays. Of those, 148 of these were sleep-related deaths. Ohio ranks 46th in overall infant mortality and 50th in infant mortality among African American babies. Ohio State Senator Shannon Jones recently introduced Senate Bill 276 as part of a legislative package aimed at addressing Ohio's abysmal infant mortality rate.
Sleep-related fatalities constitute 14% of all infant deaths and are largely preventable. Senate Bill 276 will provide caregivers with crucial information about how to keep your sleeping baby safe by establishing the Safe Sleep Education program. Additionally, this legislation will create a screening protocol to determine if babies have a safe place to sleep upon hospital discharge. If it is determined that infants do not have a crib or other suitable sleeping place at home, the hospital or free-standing birthing center will work with families to try to secure a crib.
"Infant mortality is heartbreaking, especially when it is secondary to something preventable," says Dr. Emily Wiebracht of Mt. Auburn OBGYN. "I know the nurses in Cincinnati, and especially at The Christ Hospital, do a great job educating new moms about sleep habits, and I applaud the state for taking things a step further by ensuring a safe crib for all families."
Senate Bill 276 is currently pending in the Ohio House Standing Committee on Health & Aging.
The ABCs of Safe Sleep
Alone -- A child is safest when they are sleeping by themselves, not in a bed with adults or other children.
Back -- A baby should always be placed on his or her back.
Crib -- A virtually empty crib is where babies are safest.
For additional information, visit mtauburnobgyn.com.
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source: Senate News from Shannon Jones, Ohio Senate, District 7
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