Maddie

Yesterday it kind of snuck up one me.. grief...

I was having a great weekend just hanging out with James and BAM out of no where it hits me!! I started crying and could not stop. This was the first of many to come ''grief attacks''.

I miss Maddie so much. Everything reminds me of her.

I try HARD very VERY hard not to think about that horrible day I got "the call" or the day of her funeral. Why do I want to remember those days? I want to remember my sweet happy Maddie. Well those days have started to sneak up on me. I will be doing something and BAM a image of that day will flash in my head. WHY? I don't want to remember that. I am sure this is normal, but I'd like to skip this phase.

I do feel better about calling the medical examiner. James and I both now know we did everything right. We didn't "miss'' anything medically wrong with her. She was healthy and happy. Unfortunately SIDS is something that will happen, it can not be totally prevented. There are many things that you can do to reduce the risk (see below), but it cant be totally prevent. I feel like we did everything right to the "T" during pregnancy and after until the day she was taken from us. SIDS is not discriminate.

I feel like I need to post these again.....

How to reduce the risk of SIDS

We don’t know what causes SIDS, so we cannot say how to “avoid” it, but we can provide you with the most up-to-minute guidelines for reducing the risk of SIDS and other sudden unexplained infant deaths (SUID). First and foremost, educate yourself and everyone who cares for your baby on how to reduce the risks by following these guidelines:

1. Always lay your baby to sleep face up.

Side and tummy positions are not safe; check with your doctor if your baby has breathing problems.

2. Don’t smoke while pregnant and never smoke near your infant.

While pregnant or considering pregnancy do not smoke. Never let others smoke near your baby. Smoking is a major risk factor for SIDS.

3. Don’t let your baby get too hot.

Overheating is a leading risk factor for SIDS. Dress your baby in as much or as little as you would wear. If your baby is sweating, has damp hair, or a heat rash, he or she may be too hot. Room fans have been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. Consider using a wearable blanket or other type of sleeper instead of a blanket.

4. Lay your baby to sleep in an approved crib, on a firm mattress.

Do not let the baby sleep on soft things, like a couch, pillow, sheepskin, foam pad, or waterbed. Remove all loose bedding, stuffed animals, and pillows from crib. Crib bumpers are not recommended and can be hazardous.

5. Create a healthy lifestyle for you and your baby.

When pregnant, see your doctor often and do not use drugs or alcohol. Talk with your doctor about changes in your baby and how your baby acts.

6. If possible, breast feed your baby.

Breast feeding has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.

7. Offer your baby a pacifier at all sleep times.

Pacifiers have been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.

8. Put your baby on his or her tummy to play when your baby is awake and supervised.

Make sure someone is always watching. “Tummy Time” is good for your baby because it makes neck and shoulder muscles stronger.

9. Don’t share sleep surfaces.

Adult beds, couches, and chairs are not safe for infant sleep and increase the risk of SIDS, suffocation and accidental infant death. After breast feeding put your baby back in his or her crib.

10. Share these tips with everyone who cares for your baby.

Education is the key to keeping your baby safe