SAFE SLEEP: How Delaware Thrives by Focusing on Real Data

Delaware has become a respectable example for other states in preventing infant deaths. The kicks count program is one of the most recent breakthroughs for the state. Previously too few pregnant women would talk with their doctor, when they noticed their baby wasn’t kicking or moving. Only 19% of women who had a fetal death after 24 weeks of pregnancy, had contacted their doctor for help the first day they noticed their baby was moving less. The Kicks Count program was launched in 2011 and fetal-movement-concern-associated deaths are now rare because of providers’ support of Kicks Count. Providers urge pregnant women whose babies are not kicking to seek immediate help. The kicks count program wouldn’t have been nearly as successful without the support of providers throughout Delaware.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS is another concern. DE Thrives promotes the Long Live Dreams message, which was based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. A 10 year period was examined to reach the conclusion that safe sleep needed to be promoted in Delaware. The Long Live Dreams campaign aims to reduce infant mortality related to SIDS in Delaware. Parents and caregivers should make sure infants go to sleep safe by following The Four Rules of Safe Sleep:

• Babies should never sleep in bed with anyone.
• Babies should ALWAYS sleep on their backs.
• There should be NOTHING in the crib with your baby.
• Keep baby’s environment smoke-free.

After much research, Delaware found that unsafe sleep environments and habits have attributed to a significant number of infant deaths before the age of one. In 2010 SIDS accounted for 12.5% of black infant deaths and 8.8% of white infant deaths. Many of these deaths can be prevented by supporting Long Live Dreams. Find out how you can support the Long live Dreams message by learning more at: https://dethrives.com/long-live-dreams.