SIDS or sudden infant death syndrome is sudden death in infants under 1 year of age, and occurs without causing symptoms first. Most deaths occur when the baby is asleep, but it is possible that death can also occur when the baby is not sleeping.
Causes of SIDS
The exact cause of SIDS is not known. However, there are allegations that sudden infant death is caused by the following factors:
- Gene mutations or abnormalities
- Disorders of the brain
- Low birth weight
- Lung infection.
In addition to the several factors above, the potential for babies to experience SIDS is also influenced by their sleeping conditions. The risk of SIDS increases if the baby:
- Sleep on your side or stomach (prone). This position can make it difficult for your baby to breathe, especially if he is lying on a surface or mattress that is too soft.
- Temperature. A room temperature that is too hot while the baby is sleeping is believed to increase the risk of SIDS. Therefore, the temperature of the air conditioner for babies needs to be regulated properly.
- sharebed. Sleeping in the same bed with mother, father, or other people, puts the baby at risk for unintentional events that can cause SIDS, such as strangulation or obstruction of breathing.
The risk of SIDS is also thought to be influenced by several factors originating from the mother during pregnancy, such as:
- Pregnant when you are under 20 years old
- Smoking during pregnancy
- Consuming alcohol or abusing drugs
- Not carrying out routine check-ups to health facilities during pregnancy
There are also other factors that are thought to increase the risk of SIDS. Some of them are:
- SIDS is more common in baby boys
- Often occurs in infants aged 2-4 months
- Have given birth to a child who died from SIDS
- Born prematurely
- Exposure to cigarette smoke
SIDS Prevention
There is no method that can definitively prevent SIDS. However, there are several efforts that are thought to reduce the risk, namely:
- sleepbabyonsupine position. Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach, and sleep on your back, at least for the first year. Sleeping on your side or on your stomach can cause your baby to have difficulty breathing.
- Take care and arrange the baby's bed properly. Avoid using a thick and too soft bed. Do not also leave pillows or soft toys in the crib.
- Useclotheswarm and comfortable. Give the baby clothes that are able to maintain body temperature to stay warm, without having to be swaddled or wrapped again with extra cloth or blankets. Also avoid covering the baby's head with any object.
- Share a room. Put the baby in the same room as the parents, but in a different bed. It is intended that parents can easily supervise while avoiding events beyond their control that can trigger SIDS, such as being crushed or breathing obstructed.
- Givebreast milk, at least for 6 months.
- Immunization.
There are also studies that explain that giving a pacifier or pacifier can reduce the risk of SIDS. However, the effectiveness of these methods has not been fully recognized. Therefore, it would be better if parents consult directly with the doctor, especially if they find a problem with the baby. Parents can also ask the doctor what steps can be taken to prevent SIDS.
Mental Recovery in People Tua Post SIDS
Losing a loved one certainly causes a deep sense of sadness. It certainly can increase the pressure mentally.
Several methods are believed to be able to assist parents in recovering the mood after the loss of their child due to SIDS, including:
- Sharing. Abandoned parents can tell or express feelings to reduce the level of stress that arises, as a result of this event to close relatives or special groups who have the same experience.
- Realize that healing takes time. There is no need to worry about feelings of guilt or sadness, because with time, this feeling of loss will improve. Healing does take time.
It would be better if the party left behind consulted a psychologist or psychiatrist further. They will assist in determining the appropriate method for recovering the existing pressure.
