The general decline of SIDS and fatal infant sleeping accidents in western society has been attributed largely to changes in child care practises. SIDS and Kids Australia have been instrumental in introducing and maintaining public health campaigns to promote safe sleeping environments.

A comparison of SIDS in Australia prior to the campaign to Reduce the Risk of SIDS in 1991 to 2005 data shows a national reduction in deaths of 85%.

However reports such as 'Tackling SIDS - a community responsibility', commissioned by the Victorian Child Death Review Committee have concluded that there are still many gaps in knowledge and sleeping practises of both the public and health professionals. Dorothy Ford, who has been an integral member of SIDS and Kids was a member of the group analysis panel.

A working group convened by the Office of the Child Safety Commissioner and made up of representatives from midwifery, ante natal educators, domicillary/post natal educators, drug and alcohol services, maternal child health nurses, mental health, protective services, mother and baby units, aboriginal support services and SIDS and Kids Victoria has been developed to identify and raise the profile and importance of SIDS risk reduction and safe sleeping messages in health and community services.

It is imperative that we sustain our education program to ensure that the public is aware not only of the recommendations to reduce the risk of SIDS;

1. Put baby on the back to sleep from birth
2. Sleep baby with head uncovered
3. Cigarette smoke harms babies before birth and after
4. Sleep baby in the parents room for the first six to twelve months of life
   

but that certain sleeping environments are unsafe for infants.

Some circumstances of shared sleeping arrangements- i.e shared sleeping on couch/chair or in an adult bed- are not safe. Fatal sleeping accidents can occur with bed sharing if the infant slips under bedding or pillows, is trapped under the parent, falls out of the bed, or becomes too hot. Bed sharing is especially a risk factor if a parent is a smoker, or has been affected by alcohol or other drugs.

Our unit also plays an important role in the education of emergency responders, health professionals and the community to understand the complexities of grief and how all can play a role in making the road to surviving after the sudden and unexpected death of a child a little easier.

Our education program is based on the theoretical research of grief but more importantly on the knowledge and experiences of our families.

One of the most inspiring people I have met was Kaarene Fitzgerald. She founded SIDS and Kids Victoria in 1997, following the sudden and unexpected death of her son, Glen. She was committed to ensuring that bereaved parents had support, a voice to ask questions why and to ensure that all the community would be educated in the best possible way.

As a bereaved mum and a parent supporter, I know that we can make a difference. With the support of all bereaved parents, health professionals and supportive community we must ensure that these fundamental principles remain as our goal.

We can make a difference.

Jill Green

Manager Health Promotion and Community Education