FACTS ABOUT SAFE SLEEP
- Every year in Louisiana, about 100 infant deaths are classified as Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID).
- A SUID is defined as a sudden and unexpected death, whether explained or unexplained (including SIDS), occurring during infancy.
- SIDS is defined as a cause assigned to infant deaths that cannot be explained after a thorough case investigation, including scene investigation, autopsy, and review of the clinical history.
- Of Louisiana’s SUID cases, over half are caused by suffocation or strangulation while the infant is sleeping.
- About one in five SUID deaths occur while an infant is being cared for by someone other than a parent.
- While there has been progress, SUID is still much more likely to occur in African American communities.
SIDS & Safe Sleep Links
Bereavement Resources
The Compassionate Friends
This organization supports local chapters throughout the country. They are family support groups specifically for those that have lost children.
CJ First Candle
CJ First Candle offers a 24-hour hotline for grief counseling and many bereavement resources, as well as educational and health promotion materials.
Bereaved Parents of the USA
Bereaved Parents of the USA (BPUSA) is a national non-profit self-help group that offers support, understanding, compassion, and hope, especially to the newly bereaved, as they struggle to rebuild their lives after the death of their children, grandchildren, or siblings. BPUSA is open to all parents, grandparents, and siblings regardless of their age or the circumstances of the death of their children, grandchildren, or siblings. There are no dues or fees to become a member of BPUSA.
SIDS Resources – Grief & Bereavement Program
The Infant Loss Bereavement Program helps parents, siblings, extended family members, friends, co-workers, child care providers, and other professionals learn skills necessary to cope with the sudden death of an infant due to any cause.
Resources in Your Area
Besides the nationwide resources above (not a complete list), there are also organizations in your area. Click the link above to contact your local MCH Coordinator to learn about the resources near you!
Additional Resources
PartnersforHealthyBabies.org
Connects women and families to helpful resources and information.
Partners for Healthy Babies Helpline
1-800-251-BABY (2229) is available 24/7 to answer questions and link you to resources in your area. Callers can find resources related to: Pregnancy Tests; Prenatal Care; Medicaid for Moms and Kids; Nutrition/WIC; Breastfeeding; Immunizations; and Substance Abuse. All calls are confidential.
Medicaid Providers
Find Medicaid providers in your area.
Parish Health Units
Find a parish health unit in your area.
WIC Providers
Find a WIC provider in your area.
LABreastfeedingSupport.org
Enter your zip code to find a list of breastfeeding resources near you. New statewide and local resources are being added on a regular basis.
Mental Health Services Locator
Privately and anonymously search for treatment centers that help with mental health problems and substance use.
