Sleep safety awareness aims to reduce infant mortality in SJC

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind., --- Indiana is still among the top 20 states in the nation with the highest infant mortality rates and with this month recognizing safe sleep awareness, the St. Joseph County Health Department is spreading education to families help prevent these deaths here at home.

“I’m extremely excited to be a new mom but at the same time that comes with a certain level of I guess anxieties,” said Amani Hardrict an expecting Michiana mother.

Hardrict is 32 weeks pregnant and preparing to welcome her first child in December.

Like many new mothers one of Hardrict’s biggest concerns is keeping her baby safe, even when he’s sleeping.

 “My main focus is just making sure he’s healthy,” she said.  “I’d rather have him by my bedside especially in the beginning so I can have easy access to him and able to monitor him throughout the night…so those are just anxiety of a first-time parent that you kind of think about.”

Health officials are hoping to ease these kinds of concerns with education.

 “It really makes a difference for people to know exactly what we find and what is dangerous for babies when they’re sleeping,” explained Sally Dixon, the Maternal Infant Health Initiatives Coordinator, with the St. Joseph County Health Department.

The health department confirmed five sleep related infant deaths in 2021 county-wide, but this year in 2022 that number has already reached eight.

With the deaths in the last few years higher among black babies they’re sharing more information not to just close the disparity gap but prevent the deaths all together.

“Really increasing everyone’s vigilance,” said Dixon. “We want people to understand that it is connected to them having room to breathe.”

According to health experts nearly 80% of infants who died were surrounded by pillows, blankets or were propped up by them, and that includes those who were sharing a bed with their parents.

Officials believe getting this kind of information out into the community could save a baby’s life.

“Babies only breathe through their nose the first four to six months of their life and so it’s important those ABC’s alone, on their back, in their crib or pack and play or bassinet…because we don’t have this to happen to anybody,” explained Dixon.

“Even if you don’t get it in an appointment, if we got flyers or classes or podcasts or something like that that taught us this information, if it was easily accessible, I think we would definitely take advantage,” added Hardrict.

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