To: Fiona Coombes, Perth Australia: Where it never snows From: Janet Thurston, Faibanks Alaska: Where its always snowing Subject: SIDS You requested information regarding research on the relationship between breastfeeding and SIDS. I did a large paper on this topic two years ago. The information I read described the epidemiology that led to the identification of risk factors. Basically over the years, at infant autopsy- certain factors were noted to be related to SIDS deaths and they were 1) there seemed to be a role of infection, - often the SIDS infants were recovering from colds or other infections at the time of death occurance. It has been hypothesized that breastfeeding reduces the incidence and severity of infection, and this could reduce the likelihood of SIDS. 2) there is a role in infant positioning- the babies were most often noted face down in position at autopsy investigation- could breastfeeding be a part of this as well, since most mothers often nurse their babies in their beds lying down on the side, with baby on his or her side? 3) other factors related are smoking (do breastfeeding mothers smoke less than bottlefeeding mothers?) 4) infant thermal environment - does wearing the baby avoid overheating it and thus decrease the incidence?. Do breastfeeding mothers tend to have more skin to skin with their babies? Of course there is not enough study yet because we know that a mother who breastfeeds and does everything "just right" can still loose her infant to SIDS -thus we don't know the cause, but can identify some risk factors. Major studies were done in Australia and there is a plethora of info there. The research done in England on this is also quite fascinating. I would like to refer you to Dr. Peter Fleming, of University of Bristol, St. Micheals Hospital, Southwell St. Bristol UK BS2 8Eg - FAX (0272) 285751. He has published a large number of articles which you can find in a lit search.. Also another source - SIDS Research Foundation, 1227 Malvern Rd. Melbourne Victoria Australia 3144 - tel # (613) 822-9611. There are many SIDS organizations through out the world, in Norway, Canada, USA, UK. Contact SIDS International @ 5504 Spearmint Dr. Charlotee, NC 28227 - FAX (704) 454-4635. Good luck!! - Janet Thurston SNM, IBCLC.