Understanding infant death is difficult and can bring anger, pain, sadness, and confusion. Causes of infant deaths vary, but could include SIDS, birth defects, pre-term/low birthweight, problems from pregnancy, accidents, or respiratory distress syndrome. American Indian and Alaska Natives have the second highest number of infant deaths in the U.S. Improve your chances of having a healthy baby by taking these steps:

* Visit your health care provider as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Continue to go during your pregnancy.
* Talk to your health care provider about taking a vitamin with folic acid and iron.
* Talk to your health care provider about how much weight you should gain.
* Drink lots of fluids and eat foods high in protein and fiber such as whole wheat breads, whole-grain cereals, fruits (apples, pears, strawberries), nuts, seeds, and beans. Avoid high-fat and fried foods.
* Talk to your health care provider to make sure you've had all the vaccines (shots) you need.
* Talk to your health care provider about what exercises will help you.
* Don't touch cat litter or eat undercooked meat.
* Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms.
* Tell your health care provider about medicines you take, both prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines.
* Don't use recreational drugs, smoke, or drink alcohol.
* Avoid insecticides and products that have lead, mercury, or solvents (such as paint thinner).

Publications

1. An Easy Guide to Breastfeeding for American Indian and Alaska Native Families - The Department of Health and Human Services encourages all women to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months before introducing solid foods and continue to breastfeed for 12 months and thereafter for as long as desired. Choosing to breastfeed honors the traditions of American Indian and Alaska Native families. This guide offers encouragement and advise to support successful breastfeeding by American Indian and Alaskan Native mothers.

2. Babies Sleep Safest on Their Backs: Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome - This publication, part of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's "Back to Sleep Campaign," educates about the importance of putting babies on their backs to sleep to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Included are answers to frequently asked questions about SIDS as well as tips for raising a happy and healthy baby.

3. Fact Sheet: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome -This fact sheet reviews the known risk factors and presumed causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It explains the effects that a SIDS tragedy can have on a family and how families can cope. This fact sheet lists examples of some counseling and support groups that can help.

4. Health and Heritage: SIDS Among American Indian and Alaskan Natives - This publication summarizes the work being done through Indian Health Services (IHS) to educate, research and eventually alleviate the high rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) among the American Indian/Alaskan Native community.

5. Study Identifies SIDS Risk Factors Among American Indian Infants - This publication summarizes the conclusions of the Aberdeen Area Infant Mortality Study, a project designed to learn more about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) among American Indian infants. Researchers concluded that the rate of SIDS among American Indians is the highest of any population group and that programs to increase public health nurse visits as well as to reduce alcohol consumption among women of childbearing age could potentially reduce the high rate of SIDS.

Organizations

1. Back to Sleep Campaign, NICHD, NIH, HHS

2. National Indian Women's Health Resource Center (NIWHRC)