My mom called to say that in Pittsburgh, PA the District Attorney is launching
an effort to get babies put to sleep in their cribs.  A police commander who
is involved with the campaign told me that in the last year nine babies who
were sleeping with their parents died after a parent rolled onto and
suffocated them.  In one case both parents were very obese, in the other the
mom had drank alcohol and smoked marijuana, but the other seven were "normal
healthy moms and babies."  One baby reportedly was suffocated by mom's breast
because she fell asleep while nursing.  I spoke with Commander Gwen Elliot at
(412) 665-4020.  I've always told moms that sleeping with their babies was
considered safe as long as the bedding wasn't too fluffy, no smoking, no
morbid obesity, and no alcohol or drug abuse.  Is there good research on this?
Can someone in Pittsburgh shed some light?  I'm going out of town so I can't
do any followup or even check mail for a few days (I'll have to go no mail for
awhile).  The commander was willing to send a synopsis of cases if I requested
one by mail (202 Penn Circle West, Pgh. 15206) but I'm hoping a local person
might take this on.  TIA

Elaine Ziska