Table Talk

It’s that time! We are all preparing to travel and visit our loved ones for the holidays. We can all get so caught up in preparing for the drive, the meal, the conversations. All of it is important to us.

First, I want you to take a deep breath and remember that everything you need is within you. You are a great caregiver. You are capable. You have proved this to yourself time after time.

We are all learning together. We are doing the best with what we have.

Next, I want to bring some things to the table that are worthy of addressing with your village for the safety and wellbeing of your family. Although it’s been marinated far longer than the meal you share, it may leave a bit of a bitter taste because it’s the things we don’t want to ever face. It’s a valid feeling to not want to face infant mortality. To not even want to look at it, hear about it, think about it. Unfortunately for many of us, it’s our reality and we have no choice. We must face it one way or another. Babies are vulnerable little beings that can unfortunately very easily fall victim to an accident. Good news! We can prevent these accidents and protect our babies. That’s the part we want you to focus on! You can do this!

This holiday when you gather with those that love you, share the gift of awareness and education. It’s the best gift at all. Plant that seed. Just like with plants, don’t expect it to sprout overnight. It takes consistent care. Reminding yourself of what is needed and delivering it to those that need it, including yourself.

Upon arrival, show your family the importance of removing baby their car seat immediately after reaching your destination. Bonus points if baby is sleeping. That will be the first thing to freak everyone out. “Look how peacefully that baby was sleeping! I have looked forward to seeing you all, but I would have left him/her in there until they woke.” Each person here is doing and expressing what they think is best for baby. One caregiver is aware of the dangers of sleeping in sitting devices, while the other caregiver is concerned about baby getting quality sleep. Both are common and valid concerns. Caregiver one, it’s your responsibility to make the other caregiver aware of the risk of sitting devices and sleep.

From my biases with experiencing preventable infant loss, I am one to want to snap back. To this day I still embody the roar of momma bear. It’s important to take a step back here. To acknowledge that we are all in this together sharing the common goal. A happy and healthy baby.

Many people don’t know any better until they experience it themselves. The whole purpose of this talk is harm reduction! To bring these things to the table so that they don’t have a chance to hit any closer to home than this moment that you all share.

Safe sleep saves lives! It’s worth talking about about. Not only tell, but show your village what safe sleep looks like. It may be inconvenient to bring out the portable crib, but it shows dedication. You can go over your practice and share it with all that care for you and your family. Show them that although it’s not easy, it’s worth it. All it takes is one time, one small airway obstruction. Airway obstruction can come from many things that feel harmless and even comfortable, such as stuffed animals, blankets, pillows.

Although this is a special occasion, do not bend or break any safety standards nor your boundaries. Stand strong in education and rest assured that you are the best advocate for your family. Remember, all it takes is one time and less than 2 minutes for an infant to be at risk. This isn’t to scare or shame, but to highlight how critical safe sleep is for infant.

The ABC’s of safe sleep is a great way to remember safe sleep standards. This goes for both bottle fed and breast fed babies. Babies need to sleep ALONE in a space dedicated just for them. Places flat on their BACK for each and every sleep. In a clutter free CRIB!

Feel free to share Derrick’s story along with our checklist for safe sleep.