New study suggests bed sharing puts babies at greater risk of SIDS

A new study published in the British Medical Journal backs up some research which already questioned the safety of co-sleeping. This new data shows that bed sharing increases the risk of infant death. Babies (under 3 months) who sleep in their parents beds are FIVE TIMES more likely to die from SIDS  compared to those that didn't co-sleep. This new data was even if babies co-slept and their families didn't smoke or drink (smoking and drinking alcohol & bed sharing had previously been considered the risk factors).
The study estimates that 80% of SIDS deaths in babies under 3 months could have been prevented if they did not co-sleep.

So what is the safest way for your baby to sleep

On their back, in your room (not in your bed), in a appropriate bed with a firm mattress and no pillows or teddy type toys is recommended.

Proposed new laws to include unborn babies who die during childbirth

The QLD Attorney General Jarrod Bleijie is considering making changes to the Coroner's Act so that the death of babies during labour can be the subject of state inquests. Yes, it raises the debate about when a baby becomes a baby? Is it when they first take a breath, or after so many weeks of pregnancy or during childbirth?

The proposed changes to the Coroner's Act would affect the way cases involving the death of babies during labour are handled, such as that of an unborn baby this week after a heavily pregnant woman was turned away from Rockhampton Hospital. Her unborn baby died after being turned away not once but several times!

Currently the Coroner's Act 2003  does not allow for inquests into the deaths of babies who died during labour. Under the law, a baby must have shown signs of life for the case to be referred to a coroner. South Australia has already made changes to their law.

If you are undecided

If you are still unsure whether you will vaccinate your child or not there are numerous websites that can help provide information to make an informed choice and allay any concerns or fears you may have.
Here is a starting point:
www.science.org.au/policy/immunisation.html
www.immunise.health.gov.au
http://www.ncirs.edu.au/immunisation/index.php
http://www.sch.edu.au/health/factsheets/joint/?immunisation.htm
http://www.nps.org.au/medicines/immune-system/vaccines-and-immunisation

Immunisation.... Just saying the word seems dirty right now.

It seems it should have the “dond-dong” sound after the word. It definitely gets the heart racing if you are for or against it. It certainly is a hotly debated topic isn’t it? It is such an emotive debate too. I have thought about whether blogging about immunisation is wise but then it is important to continue the conversation on immunisation so that perhaps we can come to some agreeable negotiation if nothing else.....you know for the sake of the children.

Of course being a parent brings with it many decisions and some that are not easy, especially the ones that tug at the heart stings but to be frank the immunisation debate is a bit like the breastfeeding in public topic in that it seems to almost divide the parenting community. Actually, not only the parenting community, but it seems the entire community. You just have to look at the news recently in relation to the proposed new laws that can see childcare and preschool children excluded if they are not immunised and you will see the divide. The Government are obviously feeling a bit concerned, pressured and seem to be struggling to encourage those that are not currently immunising their child. It can be a host of reasons why parents choose not to immunise their children and to be honest I’m not sure I completely agree with them but it is their choice.....or is it? Or is the Government trying to take the freedom of choice away? Is this something that is a non negotiable for the health and safety of all children? Does the ban raise ethical issues? Does the end justify the means- does the reduction (& possible eradication) of diseases justify the way we get there? Is the inaction of the non vaccinators hurting those who do vaccinate or themselves?

But the problem I have is that these new laws/proposals seem to affect the children ...again. As ok, they are not immunised, but now they don’t have the right to an education either? I completely see the flip side of exposure etc but it doesn’t seem to be addressing the actual ‘problem’ – the low, scarily low immunisation rates. Does the fact that your child (if you don’t immunise) may not be able to access preschool or child care make you run out and vaccinate? Isn’t correct education more the answer? Or is a harder line needed? Do we need to take a page out of Belgium book where they actually jail those who refuse to get the polio vaccine.

Besides there are such mixed messages out there and not even the states can agree on the best method to increase immunisation rates. Why this week WA health minister Dr Kim Hames said he agreed with the right of childcare centres to make their own rules, but said legislation was not something he was planning. Dr Hames said he believed WA could rise above the national vaccination rate of 90 per cent without forcing parents. Yet in NSW Labor opposition plans to introduce a bill to allow childcare centres and kindergartens the option of banning unvaccinated children.

In South Australia a ''booster pack'' to remind parents about vaccination has lifted immunisation levels in the past year.

It certainly is a round and around  kind of topic. If you are for it you have clear views and if you are against it I have heard just as clear views....question is which is best for the child?...each side will vehemently argue that they know the answer......

What are your views?

(P.S.  as a personal choice we chose to vaccinate our kids purely because based on the information we were provided with the risks of not vaccinating far outweighed anything else).