Dear Friends:

 Richardson et al have just published a study (J Peds 2010 epub, ahead of
official publication so I don't have page numbers) "Influence of Swaddling
Experience on Spontaneous Arousal Patterns and Autonomic Control in Sleeping
Infants". Swaddling is a topic with conflicting research conclusions, where
some studies find that it reduces rates of SIDS, and others find that it
makes no difference or increases SIDS rates. These researchers found that
breastfed infants that had never been swaddled before showed decreased total
arousability and cortical arousal at the age of peak SIDS incidence. Their
comment is wise: " By identifying potential new risks associated with naive
swaddling, this study has highlighted the importance of thorough scientific
investigations before widespread changes in infant care practices."

Considering the repercussions of public health recommendations is essential.
 Who would have imagined that the Back to Sleep campaign would increase
rates of positional plagiocephaly, and delayed developmental motor milestone
acquisition ( Majnemer et al 'Influence of supine sleep positioning on early
motor milestone acquisition" Dev Med Child Neuro 2005; 47: 370-376)  because
parents that are taught to put their babies in supine positions for sleep
will use the supine position when their babies are awake.

Maybe this all means that babies need to be carried and to sleep with their
mothers? Put babies down to sleep in a prone position and the risk of SIDS
increases. Put babies down supine increases their risk of head flattening
and developmental delay. Teach mothers that carrying their babies is
dangerous (as is taught in most hospitals in my city) and mothers keep
babies in buckets and trays and swings most of the time.

Instead of warning about the risks of drinking and taking drugs and being
overweight/obese and too-soft beds, public health recommends increased
separation of mothers and babies. This leads to more formula feeding,
greater disease and increased healthcare costs.

very sad after reading a lot of newly published studies in the past few
weeks......

warmly,

Nikki Lee RN, BSN, Mother of 2, MS, IBCLC, CCE, CIMI
craniosacral therapy practitioner
www.breastfeedingalwaysbest.com

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