The "back to sleep" campaign has proven to decrease the number of SIDS  cases 
but it has become so ridged and dogma that both clinicians and parents are  
avoiding the prone position totally.
It is natural to place a baby prone on its parents chest and sleep.   It is 
not natural to place a baby supine on its parents chest.
Babies in special care nurseries are placed prone because it helps reduce  
reflux so after a feeding the staff will place the babies in this  position.  
They feel comfortable doing this because they have monitors on  the babies.
The studies are very poor at identifying the babies who died of SIDS  feeding 
method.  We all know on this list that breastfeed babies wake and  feed more 
often than formula feed babies or mixed feed babies.
Now with all that said, my advise to parents is to give there baby tummy  
time especially after feedings.  This can be on their chest or a firm  surface.  
If their baby falls asleep I instruct them to stay with their  baby and if 
they have to leave the baby's side then to turn the baby  supine.
Show me the evidence that this approach is problematic to the well-being of  
the baby.
Ann Perry, RN IBCLC
Boston, MA

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