My son Isaac passed away of SIDS in 2013 when he was nearly 10 months old.
I also had a miscarriage in 2016, so when I fell pregnant in 2017 with my daughter Emilia I was very anxious at every ache and pain.
I already knew about the CONI programme, so I asked to be referred onto it when I fell pregnant again in 2017.
At 32 weeks pregnant I met my CONI coordinator Bridgette and was given a CONI monitor and pack. My CONI pack included a safer sleep guide that gave me information about room-sharing, sleeping position, how my baby’s mattress should be firm and flat and that babies should always sleep on their back.
I wasn’t as paranoid and anxious with my daughter as I thought I was going to be until she got a bit older. I watched her like a hawk when she got closer to the age that Isaac was when he died, but having the monitor and extra support definitely helped reassure me.
I felt that all the advice I was given was really helpful and reassuring when having another child after SIDS. The in-depth safer sleep advice gives you all the information you need to know when having a baby.
I think it’s really important for all new parents to be given advice on how to reduce the risk of SIDS. I really don’t think safer sleep is talked about enough.
If you have experienced infant loss and want to share your story, click here.
