SIDS and infant sleeping position : audit on the advisory campaign in Malta

Abstract

Background: The baby’s sleeping position is the most important modifiable risk factor in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The “back to sleep” position is safer than side or prone position. Objectives: To determine what advice midwives and nurses at St Luke’s Hospital give to new mothers about the baby’s sleeping position; and whether the practice has changed following a series of lectures on SIDS and a focused circular issued by the Department of Health in February 2007. Methods: A questionnaire-based, descriptive, and crosssectional before-after trial. Results: In 2007, 81% of midwives/nurses advised exclusive back sleeping position, compared to 38% in 2006 (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The audit demonstrates a notable increase in the number of midwives/nurses giving correct advice to the new mothers.