On Friday 30th June 2017 Eastbrooke supported Red Nose Day, which is a campaign that endeavours to help raise funds for the research and education of SUDI (sudden unexpected death in infancy), as well as facilities for parents dealing with an unexpected death of their child. SUDI includes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleep accidents and refers to the unexpected death of a baby when there is no apparent cause of death. SUDI is known to usually occur during sleep, which is why, most known prevention tips surround the baby’s sleeping arrangements.

3,200 Australian families annually experience the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or child*. This staggering number needs to change, and is what Red Nose endeavours to change.

Though still high, the average number of deaths from SUDI has decreased dramatically due to the introduction of campaigns and fundraising.

Red Nose intends on reaching a goal of zero preventable deaths from SUDI, through their education and campaigning schemes. Funds raised for Red Nose go towards world class research for SUDI, as well as counselling services available for parents affected by the sudden and unexpected death of their baby.

Currently, information has been given to the public to help lower the risk of SUDI. Some of these points include:

• Always lay your baby on their back when putting them to bed.
• Avoid exposure to smoke during and after pregnancy.
• Avoid overwrapping your baby, and make sure your baby’s head is uncovered at all times.
• Give your baby their own safe sleeping environment, and keep it next to your own bed overnight.

How can you help?

There are various ways available that you can help Red Nose continue in their fight to save little lives. You can support Red Nose by holding your own fundraiser or charity event, purchase merchandise items from their online shop, become a volunteer or leave a bequest. Red Nose also offers a clothing and collection service, where people can donate pre-loved clothing, furniture, paired shoes and accessories. Not only does this opportunity help Red Nose, but also reduces landfill across Victoria and South Australia.

For more information on SUDI and safety resources please visit the Red Nose website for more details.

References:

• https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/sudden-unexpected-death-in-infants-sudi-and-sids
• https://rednoseday.com.au/
• *https://rednose.com.au/section/about-us
• https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/sudden-unexpected-death-in-infants-sudi-and-sids
• http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/CB005B93C08BC9A7CA257B2E000D74F2?opendocument
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudden_infant_death_syndrome
• https://rednose.com.au/section/advocacy-and-research
• https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids
• https://www.myvmc.com/diseases/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids/