Safe Positioning During Skin-to-Skin and Breastfeeding

 

 

We want to warn mothers about a very rare and completely preventable danger to newborn babies, namely Sudden Unexpected Postnatal Collapse (SUPC), which is when a newborn is accidentally suffocated during skin-to-skin or breastfeeding within the first weeks of life, even while still in the hospital. It occurs due to poor positioning of the baby while lying against mom compounded by maternal exhaustion and accidental bed-sharing. Texas Children’s Hospital has put together this safety presentation for their health professionals to raise awareness and provide practical steps for hospitals and families to prevent these tragedies.


We believe all babies deserve to be protected from hunger and thirst every single day of their life and we believe that education on Safe Infant Feeding should be free. If you would like to make a donation to support the Fed is Best Foundation’s mission to teach every parent Safe Infant Feeding, please consider making a one-time or recurring donation to our organization.

 

Disclaimer:  This resource page does not replace in-person physician evaluation and treatment.  It  is meant to inform parents of the most recent data regarding infant feeding and to increase their knowledge on how to protect their newborns from hyperbilirubinemia, dehydration, hypernatremia, hypoglycemia and extended or repeat hospitalizations due to complications from underfeeding.  Earlier supplementation may be needed for babies who are premature or have medical conditions. It is recommended that a parent seeks evaluation by a physician trained in newborn care for any concerns regarding the health and safety of her baby if they arise.