Upon reading the entire Baltimore Sun article mentioned in many previous
LACTNET posts, I think it must be made clear that the article is largely
referring to infant suffocation- something far different than SIDS. What
this article doesn't mention is that many Pediatricians will endorse co-
sleeping for breastfeeding infants-parents, as long as certain conditions
of safety exist.  The Sun article mentioned several suffocation risk
factors: infants falling down between mattress and bed-frame, waterbeds,
etc.  It states that up to half of the infants who died in Baltiimore MAY
have suffocated from co-sleeping, but never discusses whether any of these
factors were present.  Parental obesity, as well as alcohol intake are also
factors that can contribute to this.  I work in a practice where 6 years
ago we had a 3 week old infant death, occuring when the infant was co-
sleeping with her parents.  Tragically, father and mother were both greater
than 300 pounds (father quite a bit more), co-sleeping with their infant in
a double bed.  The infant's death was ruled accidental suffocation-(at
least in the report in the baby's chart after autopsy).  But, the obituary
(and otherwise officially) it was ruled SIDS and thankfully no charges were
filed against the parents.

I think ALL professionals who are discussing co-sleeping must also find a
way to broach the safety issues. We now have a handout for all parents, to
help them explore the wonderful practice of co-sleeping, while also stating
what risks could occur if these safety practices aren't followed.

And, again, SIDS is NOT the same thing as infant suffocation.  This article
tended to group them as one and the same.

Sincerely, Sharon Marshall
Madison, Wisconsin

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