>Dr. McKenna's research clearly shows that when a baby experiences an episode
>of apnea (not breathing) the mother rouses and touches the baby, speaks to
>the baby, moves the baby, etc., thus ending the apneic episode.  This is
>extremely obvious when you read his research and/or watch his videotapes.
>Sometimes the baby wakes and rouses the mother to nurse, but when you are
>talking about apnea -- one of the main risk factors for SIDS, it is believed
>-- you find the baby in an apneic episode and the mother rousing the baby
>and getting it breathing again.

My second baby had apnea episodes from birth.  She slept with me, and often
I would awake, startled, asking myself, "Why am I awake?" Then in my half
sleep I would give my baby a gentle shake and she would take a deep breath.

She had these episodes occasionally for the first 5 months.  I felt that I
was breathing with her and when she stopped, I was alerted.

She also was not one to sleep "through the night" at an early age--smart
kid.  In fact, as I used to tell mothers at LLL who asked, she slept
through the night for the first time when she was about 6 years old, and
even then it was only occasionally.

She still gets up at least once to go the bathroom.

When a mother asks when her baby will sleep through the night or for a
longer interval, I tell them that her baby will do it when it is safe, and
only the baby knows that time. I then explain Dr. McKennna's research on
infant sleep patterns.

I am greatly appreciative of his hard work and research and his relentless
efforts in spreading the word.

Pat Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA






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