Our son died last summer due to SIDS, and we might consider trying again. What chance is there to a 2 occuranc

Answer 1

First of all, I'm sorry for your loss. There can't be anything more heartbreaking than losing a child!!

A second child is at a *tiny* increased risk. The general population has a 1-2 per thousand risk of dying of SIDS. A child born to parents who already had a baby die of SIDS, have 2-2.5 per thousand according to what I've read.

You probably already know most of this, but you can't *prevent* SIDS; however, you can lower the risk.

Breastfeed *exclusively* for at least 6 months--no bottles, pacifiers (more later), etc.; this is the single more important factor is lowering SIDS risk.

Put baby to bed next to you in bed. Many research studies have shown that this protects against SIDS. One study showed that babies died of *suffocation* (a *different* cause of death) in adult beds. However, it didn't compare babies who had a safe sleep environment (see sources section below) with those who didn't, nor did they study the relative risk of cribs and adult beds. Lastly, a few dozen babies die of suffocation per year in the US, compared to thousands dying of SIDS. I think the relative risk is clear.

*Always* place your baby on her/his back to sleep. This reduces the risk by about half.

Do not smoke and do not let anyone who smokes near the baby. (If you don't have this option, insist that they shower and change *all* clothing down to the underwear before being anywhere near your baby.) Also, stay away from anyone who smokes while you are pregnant.

Do *not* use a pacifier. Recent research showed that babies who get a pacifier are more likely to die of SIDS on a night when they don't have one. If you break or lose the last pacifier in the house just before bed time, your baby may be fine (the risk of SIDS is still extremely small!), I can pretty much guarantee that *you* won't sleep a wink! This recent research has been misinterpreted by the media as suggesting that *all* babies should have a pacifier, but if you read the original study, you will see what it really says.

One last comment... Try to enjoy your new baby whenever she/he is born. Most parents who lost a child have trouble relaxing until the new baby is older than the previous one was when he died. But at least try to have fun *sometimes*. Good luck!!

Answer 2

There is very little chance, unless there was a specific reason your child died (but then it wouldn't be SIDS would it). They have shown no research to prove that something like SIDS is hereditary, so you should be "safe" with another child, and honey my heart really goes out to you, that must have been horrible, and the only thing I can say is I know how bad it felt for me to have a miscarriage, I can't imagine the mess I would be if I'd lost one that made it to full term. I do know that it will be very hard for you, there's the feeling of, what if I lose this one too, and oh I feel bad because I feel like I'm trying to "replace" what we lost, and it's not like that, your baby you lost will always have a special place in your heart, and your new one will too, you just have to open your heart again, and that will be hard. If you need more assurance talk to your doctor they will be able to reassure you, also talking to your doctor about you wanting to try again will help get prenatal vitamins to take to ensure the most healthy baby you can have. Take the extra precautions if it makes you feel better, buy the more expensive baby monitor, make sure you always put baby on its back to sleep, put them in warm sleepers rather than using blankets to keep baby warm etc. I'm sure no matter how much you are reassured you will still be paranoid until you clear the "dangerzone" I hope you DO try again, children are such blessings!

Answer 3

There is no known reason for a baby to die of SIDS only a lot of different ways to prevent it. My cousin's first baby died of SIDS when he was four months old. It was the hardest things for any parent to go through. One year later they had another baby who is now 5 years old he is a healthy boy. It you want another baby and you are really ready I say try again. The best way for a baby to sleep I found with my three is on the side. Put a wedge behind their back.

Answer 4

This really depends on if there was a genetic reason for the death. I can tell you that in addition to placing them on their backs to sleep , giving them a pacifier is shown to reduce the risk of SIDS and due to your previous infants death your pediatrician may be able to order the use of a monitor for your infant for the first year of life. My son was a preemie and had to use one. It sounds like a smoke detector and goes of if the babies heart rate drops below 80 or if he/she does not take a breath within a designated period of time. Even if a 2nd child was totally healthy , this monitor may help you and your spouse relax a little . At least you could sleep better knowing if there was a problem you were goig to know about it long before it was too late. Good luck.

Answer 5

God bless you. Sorry for your loss.

SIDS is still a bit of a mystery. But researchers have listed some high-risk factors that may contribute to it. I'm sure you know of them. So I would start by eliminating those things which are shown to elevate the risk of SIDS (No smoking in the home, no tummy sleeping, Breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months...etc).

I do not know if genetics plays a role in re-occurances of SIDS. Maybe other partents who have experienced that loss, and have had sucessful subsequent children, could better answer.

I hope the best for you.

Answer 6

There are numerous causes (most of the still debated) of SIDS, there are resources that you could use like: Sudden Infant Death Alliance
10500 Little Patuxent Parkway
Suite 420
Columbia, MD 21044

or: National SIDS Resource Center
8201 Greensboro Dr. Suite 600
McLean, VA 22102

I hope this helps, and am terribly sorry for your loss

Answer 7

My son nearly died from SIDs. Thankfully my wife had him in her arms when his eyes rolled back and he stopped breathing. Our Dr. set us up with an Apnia monitor. A strap goes around your babies chest and anytime it's sleeping the monitor BLARES and alarm is the baby stops breathing or the heart stops. The alarm startles the baby and makes then start breathing again. Basically, babies "forget" to breath.

Talk to your Dr about getting one even before trying for another.

Answer 8

the risk is possible but know i once had an issue with sids as a baby and the docs but me on a warning device and i made it ok so dont stop having kids out of fear im really sorry for your lose but i know when you all do have on you be great

Answer 9

So sorry to hear that. And I say if you are fit parents and your heart wants a child then go for it. Just try a little harder to watch the baby but the odds are rare it happening a second time unless you actually place the child in a dangerous enviroment.

Answer 10

I am very sorry to hear that. I couldn't imagine that happening to anyone. I am no doctor but if you want to then I would go ahead and try again. I hope everything turns out well for you and your family. God bless your family and your little angel.