We have the same problem in the Milwaukee (WI) area.  It seems if a baby dies in 
a crib, it is automatically called SIDS.  If they die with an adult, it is 
automatically blamed on the sleeping arrangement.  Great logic, isn't it?  We 
have also been subject to gross guilt-provoking ads innewspapers, on busses, 
billboards TV., etc.  The most common one shows the head of a bed as a 
gravestone and says "Don't let this be the last place your baby sleeps,"  

Of course the newspapers follow the "party line" with attention getting 
headlines.  In every case that has hit the papers, there is at least one factor 
that goes against safe do-sleeping guidelines: adult had been drinking, they 
were sleeping on a couch etc.  

I compared articles about 3 deaths that had occurred within a few weeks, and 
couldn't help but notice that the descriptions of the deaths (previously healthy 
baby, went to sleep normally, etc.) were almost word for word the definition of 
SIDS.  One local TV station did do a very balanced presentation hat included an 
interview with Jim McKenna.  In addition to talking about his research and 
strongly criticising the ad campaign, he told the reporter he suspected that if 
they reviewed the cases, they would find one thing in common-baby was formula 
fed.  The reported did, although with some skepticism, and reported that, sure 
enough, the one factor in common with all of the "co-sleeping" deaths had been 
babies that were formula fed.  I do wish the report had pressed that point 
further, but they seemed to treat it as an oddity, not the important information 
it should have been.
Our local coalition has tried to speak out against this campaign, but aside from 
one letter to the editor that was printed, we have been batting our heads 
against the wall.  Some members who work for WIC or in some hospitals are 
finding their hands tied (or mouth gagged might be a better term) in that they 
are "required' to caution against bed sharing.  Some have tried to talk about 
how to co-sleep safely, but run into much criticism (to put it mildly) from 
superiors.
Of course, we can't tell parents that their babies are safer being breastfed and 
safely cobedded, because that might make them feel guilty-liake these ads aren't 
instilling guilt?  Canyou say "double standard"/
Winnie Mading, LLLL, IBCLC

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