Understanding Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID): Statistics, Prevention, and Resources for Parents

Thrive • Oct 11, 2021

By Thrive Reno’s Director of Perinatal Psychiatry, Andrea Thompson, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

The thought of the sudden loss of an infant may sound unfathomable and also uncomfortable to discuss. That being said, about 3,400 babies in the United States die suddenly and unexpectedly each year. Given this statistic, it is important we arm ourselves with knowledge and provide appropriate support in our communities for parents.

WHAT IS SUDDEN UNEXPECTED INFANT DEATH (SUID)?

Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is a term used to describe the sudden and unexpected death of a baby less than one-year-old in which the cause was not obvious at the time of death. These deaths often occur during sleep or in the baby’s sleep area.

There is some overlap in the ways that SUIDs are classified. That being stated, the three most commonly reported types of SUID are:

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS ) : A type of SUID that is characterized by the sudden death of a seemingly healthy baby under one year of age which remains unexplained after an investigation. According to the Safe to Sleep campaign led by the National Institutes of Health , “SIDS is the leading cause of death among babies between one month and one year of age.” For this reason, October is SIDS Awareness Month in the United States.
Suffocation: May be caused by choking, constriction of the chest or abdomen, strangulation, narrowing of airway passages due to an allergic reaction or reactive airway disorders, or the inhalation of toxic gases. In most cases of sleep-related infant deaths, it is impossible to determine whether to classify it as SIDS or accidental suffocation.
Unknown cause of death: Another way that investigators may classify a SUID after all other causes have been ruled out.

Although the SUID rate has declined since the 1990s, there are significant racial and ethnic differences to consider as rates vary between American Indian, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White infants.

HOW TO PREVENT SUIDs

There are several things to consider to mitigate the risks of SUIDs. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends ‘back to sleep’ which involves placing the baby on their back for every sleep. Other recommendations include using a firm sleep surface, room-sharing with infants on a separate sleep surface, keeping objects away from an infants’ sleep area, and considering a pacifier at naptime. It is also recommended to breastfeed if that is what the parents choose. Finally, avoiding smoking or alcohol use is another safety measure to consider.

Parents should seek regular prenatal and postnatal care and discuss recommended immunizations with their child’s pediatrician or healthcare provider. Additionally, even though the marketing may be appealing, using cardiorespiratory monitors for sleep is not recommended. Supervised tummy time while awake can also help facilitate the baby’s development and mitigate the risk of SUID. Most of all, be sure to discuss concerns and recommendations with your pediatrician or family health care provider.

RESOURCES FOR GRIEVING PARENTS

The loss of a child may never become easier to manage, but with time and the right support, parents and families may find new ways to cope. If parents find themselves experiencing the loss of a child, the MISS Foundation offers counseling, support groups and resources for those grieving. Thrive Reno also offers a complimentary Perinatal Loss and Grief Support Group and an “It Takes a Village” perinatal Day Program . Additionally, both Thrive Reno and Thrive Waco offer various perinatal mental health outpatient services .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — About SUID and SIDS
Task Force On Sudden Infant Death Syndrome — SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2016 Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment
MISS Foundation — Counseling and Support Services for Bereaved and Grieving Parents and Families
Safe to Sleep — A public education campaign led by National Institutes for Health

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrea Thompson, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC — Thrive Reno’s Director of Perinatal Psychiatry

Andrea Thompson, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC is a Nurse Practitioner whose background has stemmed in primary care, primarily working with under-served and under-insured populations. After several years in family practice, she completed a Post Master’s certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. In early 2019, she started a program the first of its kind in Northern Nevada to integrate mental health services into a women’s health/OBGYN practice where she had a focus on perinatal mood and anxiety disorder diagnosis and treatment which solidified her passion for Perinatal/Reproductive Psychiatry. She has also completed certificate training with Postpartum Support International. As a postpartum depression survivor herself, she has a passion for helping other women throughout their journey to mental wellness. She and her husband moved to the Reno area several years ago from Seattle, WA to settle into a place to raise their family; they have three young boys. Aside from spending time with her family outdoors, Andrea is also active in the efforts to improve the sexual health education offered to the youth in our community as well as advocating at the state level to support Nurse Practitioner autonomy and Maternal Mental Health.

The post Understanding Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID): Statistics, Prevention, and Resources for Parents first appeared on Thrive Wellness.

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Clean House, Healthy Mind: Spring Cleaning Benefits for Mental Health

By Sage Tippie • 23 Apr, 2024

Spring Cleaning Benefits for Mental Health Spring is a time of new beginnings, change, and transitions, including in our homes. With the warmer weather kicking motivation into high gear, Spring can be a prime time to do a deep clean. Not only is a clean space aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, but it can also help to improve your mental health. Learn about how tidying up your space can also tidy up your thoughts below along with tips for cleaning when you’re struggling with your mental health. 4 Reasons Why Cleaning is Beneficial to Mental health 1.Decreased Stress Not only does an uncluttered space provide a sense of calm, but the physical act of cleaning can release feel-good endorphins, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. As you cross tasks off your checklist, your body also releases Dopamine. Also known as the “happy hormone”, Dopamine provides a sense of accomplishment and pride that can promote motivation in other areas of our lives. 2. Improved Focus Studies have shown that an uncluttered space can also lead to an uncluttered mind. Your focus can be drawn away from important tasks by a chaotic, messy space. Research has also shown a connection between procrastination and clutter, as an unwillingness to tackle larger chores like cleaning can translate over into various areas of our lives. By keeping your space tidy, it can inspire you to stay on top of other major tasks like work and school assignments. 3. Regulated Emotions According to this 2015 study , cleaning can function as a practice in mindfulness, providing an increased sense of calm and inspiration. Slowing down while cleaning gives you room to relax and free your mind of burdens, stressors, and irritants that can affect your mental health. Cleaning can even be considered a practice of self-care as the action helps you to connect with yourself and the outcome allows you to better enjoy your own space. 4. Sense of Order and Control When experiencing mental health struggles, people may feel a lack of control over their lives and emotions. Cleaning even small areas of the home can provide an increased sense of order and control as you cross tasks off your to-do list. Through realizing your own power by simply completing minor tasks like cleaning, it can reaffirm your ability to do more. 10 Tips for Cleaning When Struggling with Mental Health Mental health struggles and disorders commonly create barriers to one’s ability to clean and properly practice personal hygiene. Although these behaviors are normal side effects of mental health disorders, we want to work to aid our clients in cleaning to the best of their ability even in difficult times. Below, Thrive Wellness occupational therapist Meadow Deason shares some helpful tips she gives to clients when they struggle with cleaning due to mental health conditions: 1.Ask For Help Having support to clean can make a huge difference. Do the cleaning with the person helping you and have them hold you accountable. 2. Don't Wait for Motivation Motivation might not come before action, but it can build as you begin to see the results of your efforts. 3. Start Small Start with one area or one task and go from there. For example, concentrate on your bedroom first and then move on to the living room and bathroom. 4. Do Something Daily Even if you do only one small cleaning task a day, doing that one task creates momentum and prevents small tasks from building up and becoming overwhelming. 5. Use Sensory Modulation Change your environment by playing music, adjusting the lighting, or using aromatherapy. This can help to put you in a new headspace for cleaning. 6. Start with "High Impact" Tasks Start with more intensive or all-over cleaning tasks such as picking up clutter or doing the dishes. The visual "noise" of some tasks makes a large impact on the entire space, building motivation to continue cleaning. 7. Make a To-Do List Write a detailed to-do list of tasks and cross them off as you go. Physically marking down what you’ve accomplished can promote increased motivation. 8. Reward Yourself Set up a reward system where you reward yourself with a favorite activity or item when you complete a task as an incentive to clean. 9. Use the Rocket Method Don't think about it, just choose a task, countdown from five or ten and then start. This can help you to avoid potential anxiety and dread that can prevent you from cleaning. 10. Gamify Tasks Make up a game for your tasks or time yourself to promote increased engagement in cleaning. Your ability to complete tasks can be affected by a multitude of different factors and conditions including OCD , anxiety, depression , ADHD , and more. If you are struggling with motivation due to your mental health, help is here at Thrive Wellness.

child getting bandaid from doctor while mother smiles

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