The new policy says that the rate of SIDS dropped after the implementation of the Back to Sleep program. That is proof the program was working. But in 2001 the rate started to climb again. The usual question is, What changed in 2001 or the year before? They do discuss changing definitions and changing diagnoses. But I don't believe the data proved it was related to insufficient pacifier use. (Or was that the year that the bottom dropped out of the baby crib market?) The meta-analysis on the use of pacifiers to reduce SIDS that was also released 10 Oct. day did include an item in the list of references that mentioned finger sucking, but I didn't find any mention of finger of thumb sucking anywhere in the study itself. If they are really concerned with the act of sucking to keep the baby from sinking into a profoundly deep sleep, wouldn't it be reasonable to include babies who are finger or thumb suckers? Or recommend teaching baby how to suck his fingers or thumb? Makes sense to me if they really want to keep baby sucking while lying down, but can't suck while lying down with mom. Next thing they will recommend is avoiding the use of pillows of any kind underneath mom's arms to keep him at breast level during BFing. Only muscle power allowed! Phyllis Adamson, IBCLC, RLC Glendale, AZ [log in to unmask] *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html