Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected, sudden death of a child under age 1 in which an autopsy does not show an explainable cause of death. Another common name for SIDS is crib death. There are no symptoms. Babies who die of SIDS do not appear to suffer or struggle. The cause of SIDS is unknown, although there are several theories. Many doctors and researchers now believe that SIDS is not a single condition that is always caused by the same medical problems, but infant death caused by several different factors. These factors may include problems with sleep arousal or an inability to sense a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood. Almost all SIDS deaths occur without any warning or symptoms when the infant is thought to be sleeping. SIDS is most likely to occur between 2 and 4 months of age, and 90% occur by 6 months of age. It occurs more often in winter months, with the peak in January. There is also a greater rate of SIDS among Native and African Americans. SIDS affects boys more often than girls.

There are also other factors which can increase the risk of SIDS. The factors are as follows: Babies who sleep on their stomachs. Babies who are around cigarette smoke while in the womb or after being born. Babies who sleep in the same bed as their parents. Babies who have soft bedding in the crib. Multiple birth babies (being a twin, triplet, etc.). Premature babies. Babies who have a brother or sister who had SIDS. Mothers who smoke or use illegal drugs. Teen mothers. Short time period between pregnancies. Late or no prenatal care. Situations of poverty. SIDS remains a significant cause of death in infants under one year old. Thousands of babies die of SIDS in the United States each year.

Preventative measures for SIDS, includes putting infants to sleep on their backs, avoiding soft bedding material, and avoiding hot room temperatures. Babies should sleep in cribs with firm tight fitting mattresses free of pillows and comforters. The environment should be smoke free.

So why the need for a blog on SIDS? Well it is personal. On October 12, 2010, Julius Luciano Torres, our great nephew, was suddenly taken from his extremely loving parents and it was ruled that SIDS was the reason. Our hearts break for Tiffany and Dennis every day. Julius was so handsome(see pic below) and they only got to spend 4.5 months with him. So to pay honor to a beautiful but way to short life, I felt necessary to educate you. I don't know what the pain feels like for them but I know that being a parent causes you to step out of yourself and love another human being in a way that you can't even imagine till that bundle of comes into your life.

Dennis and Tiffany are young and they are deeply saddened with a pain many of us will never experience.  While we go on with our lives, they are still reeling and trying to handle their grief on a daily basis. Not a day goes by though that I don't utter a small prayer of comfort for them and ask God to give them what they need for that moment because each moment is a test of their fortitude. Sometimes that is what you need, strength for the moment which eventually will become hours, days, and weeks where God has carried you through those dark times. They already know that they can't deal with the holidays because their grief is too raw. In recognizing this, they have decided to give charitable donations in Julius' honor in lieu of gifts to their family members. If you are considering any donations before the year end or at any time, please consider Julius' Memorial Fund.

Julius Luciano Torres
May 30, 2010-October 12, 2010

Parents:
Tiffany and Dennis Torres
123 Shadow Ct. SW, Huntsville, AL 35824

Donations can be made online at: www.sids.org/online/index.html .
Or checks can be mailed to: American SIDS Institute,  528 Raven Way, Naples, Florida 34110

They will appreciate the gesture of kindness. Till next time, peace and blessings to each of you.

Copyright by Pamela Cole Thorpe on November 13, 2010