Has anyone seen the "Back To Sleep" pamphlet on reducing SIDS deaths?  The
way in which information is presented in this pamphlet leaves a lot to be
desired.  After the initial back sleeping information is presented,  other
recommendations are made.  Here are some highlights:

Other things you can do to ...reduce the risk of SIDS:

1)      Bedding.  Make sure that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress or
other firm surface.  Don't use fluffy bblankets....don't let the baby sleep
on a waterbed....

2)      Temperature.   Keep the temperature in your baby's room.....comfortable.

3)      Smoke-free.  No one should smoke around your baby.

4)      Doctor or clinic visits.  If your baby seems sick,  call your
doctor...right away.  Make sure your baby receives his or her shots on
schedule.    [Not getting immunized is a risk factor for SIDS?  Where's the
research that supports this statement?]

5)      Prenatal care.  For your baby's well being,  you should not use
alcohol or drugs during pregnancy unless prescribed by a doctor.

6)      Breastfeeding.  If possible,  you should consider breastfeeding
your baby.  Breast milk helps to keep your baby healthy.

***

The language in this pamphlet for items 1 through 5 is pretty clear.
Parents are given authoritative orders and there can be no misunderstanding
("DO this",  "DON"T do that")   Then we come to breastfeeding,  which also
happens to be last on the list.  How many weasel words can you count?


How would the pamphlet read if points 1-5 were couched in the same sort of
language as point 6?

"If possible,  you should consider asking people to stop smoking around
your baby.  Clean air helps to keep your baby healthy."

"Perhaps when your baby is ill,  if it is convenient,  you should consider
taking your baby to a doctor."

"If possible,  you might want to consider evaluating whether or not a
waterbed or fluffy blankets might suffocate your baby."

Of course,  we all know that the pamphlet would never have been printed
like this.  What's going on with these people?   Let me guess....they don't
want moms to feel  guilty.


Letters can go to:

Back to Sleep
P.O. Box 29111
Washington, D.C. 20040


Loyann Waber
Delaware, OH