Terrified of SIDS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I go through a phase whenever the baby hits the age that it's most likely statistically (2-4 months). I wish I knew what would make it better but it's just terrifying.

Yes, exactly! He is smack dab in the middle of that which I think is making my anxiety even worse right now. I read that 90% of SIDS occur before 6 months, and 2-4 months is the highest risk. I am like counting down the days until he is 4 months old even though I know that is ridiculous.

yup, I breathe easier at 16 weeks even though the risk was tiny to start with given that all the other safe sleep habits are followed. It's just where my anxiety falls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Different take - this sounds like PP anxiety. It is a real thing. SIDS is also a real thing but when the fear is consuming to the point that you can't enjoy your baby, that is something else.

Can you get a therapist or get on a low level med for a bit. Stopping b feeding was the only thing ultimately that helped my hormones even out and me to feel myself again.

I somehow missed the sentence about therapy and meds! The meds will take a bit to work. Good luck to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Different take - this sounds like PP anxiety. It is a real thing. SIDS is also a real thing but when the fear is consuming to the point that you can't enjoy your baby, that is something else.

Can you get a therapist or get on a low level med for a bit. Stopping b feeding was the only thing ultimately that helped my hormones even out and me to feel myself again.

I agree with this too. You need to share with your doctor what you told us here.

You have latched onto something that is horrible, but very low risk, and you are perseverating on it. You need some help to break the cycle. Post partum hormones make that very difficult. But I sense you know you are not being rational. You may need some help from a drug to help you over the hump.

You don't have to live like this. Please ask for help from your doctor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Different take - this sounds like PP anxiety. It is a real thing. SIDS is also a real thing but when the fear is consuming to the point that you can't enjoy your baby, that is something else.

Can you get a therapist or get on a low level med for a bit. Stopping b feeding was the only thing ultimately that helped my hormones even out and me to feel myself again.

OP here - I already know I have anxiety issues. I am seeing a therapist and started Lexapro recently. It sucks. No plans to discontinue breastfeeding though.

[Anonymous]

I think it gets a lot easier at 6 months. My DS is 15 months now, and I still run into his room to check that he's breathing if he sleeps in past 7.

[Anonymous]

I am sorry you are going through this! If you want to have something to "work on" to make you feel better, make sure your baby gets plenty of tummy time. There are lots of ways you can do this, and it will help your baby develop the strength to roll back and forth. Honestly once they can roll comfortably it feels a lot less likely that the baby will suffocate
(yes, I know SIDS and suffocation are not the same thing)

[Anonymous]

Just as an anecdote - my baby cried every moment of every day and never. Slept more than a few minutes at a time on me so SIDS was never an issue so …be happy your baby is not screaming her face off. Also you’ll be okay the baby will be okay in the scheme of things this is not a big danger right now, low low risk. Worry about getting a cold or reflux or not sleeping through the night or nursing issues those are realistic.

[Anonymous]

I got the owlet. I was like you and high anxious.

I know the pediatricians don't recommend it but it brought me some peace. I stopped using it every night once baby turned 6 months.

Baby is 10 months now and I will use it if they are sick just to make sure they are getting enough oxygen.

[Anonymous]

I stopped worrying about it when she could roll in both directions. Knew she could get herself out of trouble if needed. We followed all the safe sleep practices.

Now she's 2 and sleeps with a lovie (blanket attached) on top of her face lmao.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I stopped worrying about it when she could roll in both directions. Knew she could get herself out of trouble if needed. We followed all the safe sleep practices.

Now she's 2 and sleeps with a lovie (blanket attached) on top of her face lmao.

Ugh, both of my kids are stomach sleepers and wanted to sleep with their face pressed into the mattress, once they could roll. I would have to turn their heads multiple times a night.

[Anonymous]

Get the owelet. I knew it was stupid, but I did it solely to ease my anxiety. We never had any false alarms. You may get a few alerts in the beginning when it falls off, but you’ll learn how to put it on after a couple days.

[Anonymous]

I was like this with #2 and #3. I stopped worrying when they could roll both ways, but they also wore an alarm (clipped to diaper, never got false alarms, can’t remember name but not one of the fancy new ones). I’m 6 days into having #4 and am amazed I’m not worried about this and can actually sleep. I hope you get some peace soon!

[Anonymous]

I was just like you PP, except I didn't get meds. I wish I had. I'm glad you've talked to a doctor about it. Reach out and let them know the meds haven't been helping. I wish I could go back so I could enjoy my babies more. I slept with the light on with them next to me and still couldn't relax, so I get you.

Hugs!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Different take - this sounds like PP anxiety. It is a real thing. SIDS is also a real thing but when the fear is consuming to the point that you can't enjoy your baby, that is something else.

Can you get a therapist or get on a low level med for a bit. Stopping b feeding was the only thing ultimately that helped my hormones even out and me to feel myself again.

Therapy + anti-anxiety meds are the standard of care on this.

Call your OBGYN and ask for an appt to screen for PPD and PPA, and ask for a referral to a therapist, your OB can prescribe meds to start out with (zoloft is often helpful and is completely safe if you are breastfeeding).

Treat your anxiety. You deserve to enjoy your baby.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are practicing safe sleep, SIDS risk is exceptionally low.

Yes. People don’t like to admit this because it fees like it places blame on parents who do go through SIDS deaths, but nearly all deaths classified as SIDS are actually either suffocation or positional asphyxiation, due to unsafe sleep practices. If you’re following all safe sleep guidelines the chances of your baby dying from SIDS are statistically zero.