A 6 week premie I helped start breastfeeding was found dead in mom's bed
with her at 0700 after a 4am feeding........ the mom was pumping and "I'm
not sure but she may have formula fed too"  the baby was 2 weeks younger
than her due date and dad (a merchant marine) had yet to see his new baby
girl........the mom was a smoker and was known to drink as well during the
pregnancy, she was also Pos for Beta Strep at the begin of 2nd trimester
but neg EQUATE at PROM 34 weeks gestation, C/S for distress, the CBC was
normal after birth and observation was all that ensued, (normal 3 day
observation no ALTES etc) DC'd home and followed as normal for 4
weeks...gained 2 lbs from 4-11 to 6-14 (at 4 week check).

So the nursery nurse for the day, came marching in saying to me:  "there
goes YOUR theory that breastfeeding prevents SIDS and that co-sleeping is
safe" The immediate DIAGNOSIS of the attending STAFF in the ER stated "the
mom rolled over on her"! (mom said she saw blood coming out of nose when
she tried CPR.........) the "other half" of the hosp staff diagnosed SIDS,
all without the results of the autopsy.......

NOW the hospital Risk MAnager says NO BABY IN THIS HOSPITAL WILL BE PUT IN
BED WITH MOTHERS I might add the ONLY death in our hospital (of a well term
infant NOT under NICU care was in a bassinet, in the nursery, with 2 RNs in
attendance, during the daytime while mom rested after her C/S.....

The staff is out to blame me for this baby's death (for promoting SAFE
co-sleeping always with the caveat that Co-sleeping be in the absense of
DRUGS- ALCOHOL- SMOKING)

I have a sinking feeling the mob is coming after me.......even the one
night-nurse who supported this (co-sleeping) in the hospital has backed
away from me.......she says she's tired of controversy and plans to lay
low..........

It is time I contact Evergreen Hospital or any other US hospitals that
promote co-sleeping "under safe protocols".    my CALL out to anyone out
there is: WHAT HOSPITALS have directly addressed this (co-sleeping) policy?
We also show a New Mom's channel (movie) that says to put babies on their
stomachs after feeds to prevent aspiration!

Please help I am feeling VERY alone right now and in pain for the mother
and baby that touched my life in a more than a small way........please
refer me to a hospital or Risk Manager who has dealt with this issue
before........ I have to go no mail on SAT 5-24-97