Research Breakthrough Finds Cause For SIDS Saturday, 06 February 2010 09:50 Written by WeaselMomma

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Major news broke nationally this past week that researchers have found a biological cause for SIDS.  While this is very good and exciting news in the SIDS community, it is also being sensationalized in the media as a larger informational breakthrough that will impact our children's lives immediately.

To bring you information on what this research means for parents of infants and expectant parents, I went to Pam Borchardt, Executive Director of SIDS of Illinois, an expert and SIDS Mom, who can break down the information, explain what it means to you as a parent and inform you what you can do to to lower your child's risk to fall victim to SIDS.

I personally have worked closely with SIDS of Illinois since the death of my daughter, Claire, on July 2nd of 2002.  Although hers was a heart related cause and not SIDS.  I have met countless parents in extreme grief who never thought in a million years that SIDS would happen in their family.  I implore you to get educated (visit SIDS of Illinois' website) and practice safe sleep with any baby that you care for.  SIDS of Illinois is an organization that is not only involved in research but also offers bereavement services for parents and families that are grieving the loss of a child, offers education to parents, childcare professionals and to first responders, so that they can thouroughly peform their duties and avoid causing damaging nightmare scenarios, like Mr. Weasel and I experienced on the day our daughter died.

Visit the SIDS if Illinois website.  Educate yourselves, your families and anyone who cares for your baby, in the belief that every baby should live and if you decide to make a donation, feel free to make it in the name of Claire Weasel and I will  give you a heartfelt thank you and a link love shout out on World of Weasels.

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written by BellaDaddy, February 06, 2010

Thanks so much for this info...I for one, was on pins and needles, for four monhth after the birth of our daughter...data, at that time, indicated that babies were more prone to SIDS up until the 4th month...I know, my panic was probably, (and obviously) not needed...but, better safe than sorry...hence, my thanks for this article...read up people...get informed!

Thanks!

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written by Joeprah, February 06, 2010

This is huge. Hopefully this type of research leads to figuring out a way to identify the vulnerable babies who are at risk and then helping them directly. It raises so many questions and hopefully will lead to many quick answers. I am so glad you brought this to our attention.

Serotonin--cool development and find. Smoking is bad for reals. Moms, dads--don't smoke around your babies!!

Overall, this is huge. Great progress will be made now for sure.

Congrats WM!! Thank you!

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written by Seash**e, February 07, 2010

Your dedication to this topic and helping others is amazing! The message that knowing 1 thing isn't a cure, but a clue is so important for parents to know.

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written by WeaselMomma, February 07, 2010

@ Bella Daddy ~ I hope this helpful to parents of infants and future infants. Being something near and dear to my heart, I thought it important to get the practical side of the news out there.

@ Joeprah ~ This is huge and exciting, for the research community. It is more of a clue than a cause and there is most likely more than one biological cause. The hard part now is coming up with a test that can be used on healthy babies to identify those that are at higher risk. That still won't save lives. A therapeutic treatment treatment for babies with lower serotonin levels is still years off and even then will only be able to help the babies who have that indicator.

This is still wonderful news and a huge step. I just need parents to know that 'safe sleep' practices are the best way to reduce your child's risk of SIDS.

@ Seash**e ~ If I can save one baby and one family from the enormous & life altering grief of losing a child, it makes every second of my time worth it.

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written by BellaDaddy, February 08, 2010

@WeselMomma, and thank YOU for sharing...truly baring your soul for us...

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written by CharliePATpk, March 02, 2010

I can imagine how hard it is for you to share this story, and in particular how often you do.

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written by WeaselMomma, March 02, 2010

@ Bella Daddy & CharliePATpk ~ This is truly a cause that is held close to my heart. I devote time to my other children by going to sporting activities, school events and helping with homework. We give Claire our time as parents by working closely with SIDS of Illinois by way of donation, volunteering, fund raising and increasing awareness. If one child is saved and one family spared from this enormous tragedy because they heard our story or learned about safe sleep for babies through me, then Claire's death was not in vein and she becomes a hero. Not to mention that every time I hear about another child lost to SIDS and another family walking that dark road, my heart breaks into even smaller pieces.

Spread the word and help save a life.

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