What is and why sudden death occurs in babies?

Sudden death syndrome, or as it is more commonly known when it occurs in a baby , lactation death syndrome , is the diagnosis used in the hospital by the doctor when a newborn baby has a sudden death, without any cause . After performing all the pertinent tests, including the autopsy, and with no signs of illness or apparent signs that have caused this misfortune, the doctor declares sudden death in the baby.

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), death from sudden death syndrome in a baby occurs in a very low percentage (it only occurs in 20% of cases) compared to that suffered by adults between 30-65 years (more than 56% of cases). In most cases, it occurs hours after the mother has given birth to her child in the hospital , although cases have been found in which the baby has left the hospital and months later (no more than six) have been surprised by this misfortune. In the US, the highest percentage of sudden death is recorded (2,300 babies die a year) while in Europe the lowest.

WHY DOES IT AFFECT THE BABY?

As we have indicated previously, the sudden death is seen daily in the hospital, but it is especially in the baby where this misfortune occurs most . Doctors from all over the world have been investigating for years what causes it to affect a baby, and although there is nothing scientifically proven, several similarities have been drawn between one and the other cases that occur in the hospital:

– They are usually in babies who have not developed a vital organ excessively well .

– Placing your child on his stomach to sleep in a crucial period of growth , at an early age causes bad breath and a consequent malfunction of the heart.

– Have serotonin (responsible for regulating breathing, heart rate and blood pressure while we sleep) at lower levels than adequate .

– Babies born prematurely or with a lower weight than normal.

– Being born to a mother who is less than 20 years old .

– Excessive consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by the pregnant woman. Also, avoid tobacco smoke from people around your child.

In any case, it is important to remind new mothers that their child may be born with one of the causes mentioned above and it does not necessarily have to be the misfortune of sudden death. It is important that mothers monitor their child’s behaviors and behavior for at least the first six months of risk and that if they find any abnormality they go to the hospital as soon as possible or consult their family doctor. As in most diseases , when they are caught in time it is much easier to solve them and to a great extent to end them.

HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF DEATH?

As it happens from the birth of this disease to its entire process , it is very difficult to determine how to reduce your risk of appearing without knowing the exact reasons for its appearance . As a general rule, there are guidelines to follow that are recommended for moms to care for their child under the prevention of sudden death or any other pathology.

– Make sure your child sleeps on his back: Since a study carried out in the USA in 1994 and the American Institute of Child Health and Human Development and other associations launched the “Back to Sleep” campaign, it has decreased by 54 % the death of babies in the hospital and at home. The explanation is simple, babies who sleep on their stomachs have an easier time overheating and do not allow their breath to pass correctly.

– Take good care of your child’s bedding: Various studies around the world suggest that one of the reasons for this misfortune of this type of death is the misuse of the area where your child spends more hours: the crib and / or the bed. It has been proven that certain materials of blankets, bedspreads … and excessively soft mattresses do not allow a good development of the baby’s growth. In addition, it is important for moms to know that it is not good to accustom their child to sleep with toys that can cause drowning, shortness of breath, discomfort in some part of the body, distract the baby in their sleep hours …

– Breastfeed your child if possible at the least the first six months : The Breastmilk is the best medicine you can have the baby and the best barrier against any disease. It is very healthy, provides many vitamins and is the best food for your child to grow strong and healthy.

– Do not cover the baby too much in the first months of life unless it is strictly necessary : Any doctor will recommend that you cover your child as little as possible because babies naturally, their body reaches the necessary thermal temperature to be okay. Excess heat causes strong rises in temperature at which a newborn is not prepared to bear them.

To conclude by saying that sudden death, in most of its aspects, it is very difficult to determine and be able to catch it before it happens. It is sudden and unfortunately, withering . In any case, it is important to follow step by step the guidelines established in the hospital after giving birth or by your doctor in the following months.

In addition, regular visits to the specialist , although apparently your baby is healthy and does not present any abnormality, is vital to prevent any type of unexpected event and any disease that does not reproduce immediately so that your child is already suffering from it. In addition, new moms can use manuals and books that provide experiences from other mothers , testimonials and / or opinions of specialized doctors.