Keep Our Babies Safe

Sam Pratt's Law

2010-04-22T22:41:00.003-05:00

I just read a very disturbing article about Rep. Cynthia Davis and Sam Pratt's law. Someone please tell me this isn't really happening? How can this woman really be in public office? The things she said are absolutely cold and callous.

Please help me prove her wrong when she says, "There is nobody in St. Charles County who cares about this bill." She goes on to say, "This woman is not even the mother of the child," Davis said. "She is a law student. What is really going on is that she is mad at the judge and she is mad at the baby sitter.

They want a souvenir bill for the baby and they wanted it named after the baby. If we passed a knee-jerk bill for every sad story that happens, we would not have any liberties any more in Missouri."

You can read the entire, heart-wrenching article here:

http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2010/04/18/stcharles/news/0418stc-pokin0.txt

October is SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

2009-10-09T16:31:00.001-05:00

Contact: Lori Behrens
314-822-2323
lbehrens@sidsresources.org
For Immediate Release

October is SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

SIDS Resources, Inc. Works to Raise Awareness and to Help Save Infant Lives

St. Louis, MO, October 2009 Today, in communities across America, expectant moms will feel their baby’s first kick; parents will listen joyfully to their newborn’s first cry; and families will celebrate their healthy baby’s first birthday.

Also on this day, ten babies will lose their lives to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or other sudden, unexpected infant deaths.

October is SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, and SIDS Resources Inc. is dedicated to infant health and survival, as well as helping to increase awareness about these tragic causes of infant death.

October 15 has been designated “National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.” On this day, families across the nation will light candles to honor the lives that have been lost, and will continue to be lost, until we reach our goal of a future where all babies survive and thrive.

Some activities that SIDS Resources’ staff will participate in during the month of October include:

Oct. 3rd - Baby Health Fair; St. Clare Hospital in Fenton
Oct. 9th - Safe Cribs class; St. Luke Memorial Missionary Baptist Church
Oct. 13th – Safe Sleep for teen moms; Pattonville Parents as Teachers
Oct. 28th – Safe Crib Partner Training; North Central Community Health Center
Oct. 30th - Healthy America Summit at Florissant Valley Community College

“SIDS Resources strives to nurture grieving families, as well as help families with babies to stay healthy and safe,” says Lori Behrens, Executive Director. “Our goal is to provide compassionate support and to be accessible to bereaved parents, and to be THE resource for professionals, community members and new parents on proven and effective ways to reduce the risks of Sudden Infant Death.”

Some facts about SIDS:

• Each year in Missouri, approximately 100 babies succumb to sudden infant death.
• That number includes between 30 and 40 infants in the St. Louis area.
• The peak age for SIDS is between 2 and 4 months of age. It is the leading cause of death in babies from one month to one year of age.
• The risk of SIDS is two to three times greater in African American and Native American infants.
• Steps to reduce the risk of SIDS include the “ABC’s” of safe sleep for babies; babies sleep safest alone, on their backs, in their cribs. Also, creating a smoke-free zone around babies can help lower the risk.

Founded in 1974, SIDS Resources Inc. is the only Missouri nonprofit that provides emotional support for families who have lost babies to Sudden Infant Death, and also educates the community about safe sleep for babies and other risk reduction strategies. The organization has offices in St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield, and serves communities throughout Missouri, plus surrounding counties in Kansas and Illinois. Each year, SIDS Resources provides bereavement support to more than 100 families. SIDS Resources is a proud member of the Greater St. Louis United Way. To learn more about SIDS bereavement support or to schedule an awareness or risk reduction presentation in your community, please call 314-822-2323 or 800-421-3511.

Strides for SIDS 2009

2009-04-13T22:15:00.001-05:00

Help us reach our fundraising goal for the second annual Strides for SIDS event!
http://www.active.com/donate/TeamNathan2009

Click here to sign up for the event on June 6!

Back from the Nation's Capital!

2009-03-18T10:16:00.004-05:00

Last week Steve and Shelley traveled to Washington D.C., along with 44 parents from across the country from 31 states to help NACCRA spread the word on the need for safe, affordable child care in America. Read more here.

Mom in spotlight, pushing 'Nathan's Law'

2009-02-26T14:25:00.000-06:00

By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
02/26/2009

JEFFERSON CITY — Shelley and Steve Blecha felt helpless last summer as state regulators and law enforcement could do little in the aftermath of the accidental death of their son Nathan at an unlicensed in-home day care in Jefferson County.

On Wednesday, their situation changed as Shelley Blecha sat front-and-center in a hearing room in the Capitol to testify on a bill to strengthen child care regulation, informally known as "Nathan's Law."

Blecha told members of the House Professional Registration and Licensing Committee that the owner of the day care where her son died wasn't fined, despite operating without a license and failing to follow basic safety standards that may have prevented her son's death.

See the entire article

Charlie Brennan Show on Jan 26, 2009

2009-01-26T15:43:00.000-06:00

Listen to the Charlie Brennan Show from January 26, 2009:
Mo. Rep.Rachel Storch/Steve and Shelley Blecha on Child Care

"Nathan's Law" Story in the St. Louis Post

2009-01-23T09:31:00.001-06:00

Nathan's Law aims to strengthen child care safety

Eighteen months after an infant died at an unlicensed home day care in Jefferson County, Missouri legislators will consider strengthening safety standards and increasing fines for unsafe child-care facilities.

The proposed changes were immediately praised by early childhood advocates who say the state has too many gaps in its child-care rules.

"Missouri needs to catch up with the best thinking of other states," said Carol Scott, executive director of the Missouri Child Care Resource and Referral Network. Scott said, "even the best in the child-care business need to be fully and carefully regulated."

Read more...

Press Release from MO State Rep. Rachel Storch

2009-01-22T13:02:00.004-06:00

This is such great news! Missouri Representative Rachel Storch has filed a bill, "Nathan's Law", to strengthen and tighten the laws that govern Missouri child care facilities.

Here's what it says:
PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:
For more information contact:
January 22, 2009
Rachel Storch at (314)719-7344

Rep. Storch Files “Nathan’s Law” Legislation in MO House to Tighten Child Care Regulations

Bill would protect children across Missouri by addressing weaknesses in state laws and regulations that govern child care facilities.

JEFFERSON CITY – Representative Rachel Storch (D-St. Louis) filed legislation today that would strengthen and tighten the laws that govern Missouri child care facilities.

“Last year, I learned of the tragic death of Nathan Blecha, an infant who had died in a Missouri child care facility,” said Storch. “The circumstances of his death led me to look into Missouri child care laws and regulations. I discovered that, despite two audits conducted respectively by former Auditor Claire McCaskill and current auditor Susan Montee that point out weaknesses in Missouri laws and regulations, the General Assembly has failed to act and as a result, Missouri law does not adequately protect our children. The legislation I am filing today will strengthen the state laws that govern child care facilities and help ensure the safety of our children.”

“Parents obviously have the primary responsibility to keep their children safe,” said Storch. “But government also has a key role as a partner in protecting our children. Many parents rely on government to ensure that child care facilities adhere to the appropriate health and safety standards so it is critical that we have strong laws and regulations,” said Storch.

Storch’s bill includes four specific components: 1) eliminates a Missouri-specific provision that exempts children related to a child care provider from licensure requirements (none of the eight states that surround Missouri have such an exemption); 2) requires unlicensed facilities to disclose their unlicensed status; 3) allows regulators to take immediate action to shut down an illegal facility; 4) enhances penalties for non-compliant facilities.

“It should not require the death of a child to force the state to take action,” said Storch. “However, sometimes a tragedy like this opens the eyes of elected officials and regulators. In the past, loopholes in Missouri law have left children unprotected. While the vast majority of child care facilities adhere to the appropriate standards, we have an obligation to ensure that ‘bad actors’ are shut down or brought into compliance immediately so that children are not at risk. Strong laws and meaningful penalties will protect our children. This bill will honor the memory of Nathan Blecha,” said Storch.
Storch’s bill is HB383.

###

Click the image below to read the Press Release!

Strides for SIDS 2009!

2009-01-21T14:55:00.003-06:00

We're excited to announce that the second annual Strides for SIDS event is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2009. Mark your calendars! This year we will have the event at Carondelet Park.

Also, we're really excited to have professional face painting this year! Jessica Hicklin, owner of the Jessica Hicklin Studio, is donating her time and talent to do full face painting! Check out her work!

Check back soon for more details!!!

Child Care center regulations may get an overhaul

2008-09-18T09:44:00.000-05:00

By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
09/17/2008

See the article

After 17 years of using the same rules, Missouri is considering revising the safety and licensing standards for the state's 2,200 child care centers and group homes.

A work group of about 40 met for the first time Tuesday in Columbia to consider reshaping the regulations — enacted in 1991 — that deal with everything from class enrollment size to professional development, hygiene and safety in the centers. If successful, the state expects to put the new rules on the books a year from now. It will then address rules for in-home day cares and other settings.

This is the second time in three years the state has attempted to revise the rules that some consider outdated and lax.

All of Missouri's eight neighboring states, for example, require their child care workers to take a basic first aid courses, and seven require CPR training for at least some workers. Missouri's workers, though required to have 12 hours of unspecified training a year, may begin their employment without basic health or safety instruction, and have no CPR or first aid training.

"We require this training of people who do our nails and our hair and the basic grooming of our dogs, but not to the care of our children," said Carol Scott, director of the Missouri Child Care Resource and Referral Network, one of the members of the work group, which includes child care providers, policymakers and regulators.

Basic safety training is a critical issue for Steve and Shelley Blecha, whose baby Nathan died of suffocation last year when a caregiver put him down for a nap on his abdomen — a practice condemned by health professionals because of the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

A required course in infant safety would have likely saved his son's life, Steve Blecha said.

"How much more simple can it be?" he asked. "If he had been placed face up, he wouldn't have died."

In 2005, the Missouri Department of the Health and Senior Services, which oversees child care regulation in the state, attempted unsuccessfully to internally revise the rules for every type of provider at once. It failed to gain support from providers, who argued the changes would prove a financial hardship.

This time, the state is taking a different approach. In June it held five public hearings around the state to collect opinions from providers, parents, regulators, safety and education experts. Hired consultants with the National Association for Regulatory Administration then culled the opinions into a report that is now the backbone of the work group sessions, said Corinne Patton, one of the three consultants.

The proposals considered Tuesday included ways to strengthen employee background checks and capping the number of 4-year-olds allowed in a classroom at 20, and 5-year-olds at 32. There is currently no limit to the number of preschool-age children in a classroom at one time.

The group Tuesday also considered health and safety training of child care workers, including mandatory CPR and first aid certification, and a basic orientation covering state regulations.

Work group participants said Tuesday that they were making steady progress. Ann Bingham, director of Childgarden Child Development Center in St. Louis, said the state made a big effort to include providers from around the state in the process.

"We're really part of a group that's making the rules work for everyone from a management standpoint," she said.

Tuesday was the first of five work group sessions scheduled through December.

Scott said her organization plans to push for a review of the state's current policy allowing church- and school-based centers to remain license-exempt. Although these facilities follow fire codes, they don't have to follow licensing rules and aren't subject to inspections by regulators.

"There's a lot of energy in the state from a variety of stakeholders to have more school child care and the faith-based programs regulated. The question is, how high is the energy to keep things the way they are?" Scott said.

Although advocates of quality early childhood education said they applaud the drive to revise rules, some, such as Stephen Zwolak, director of the University City Children's Center, warned that Missouri is woefully behind the curve regarding training and early childhood education in its centers.

During its last legislative session, lawmakers did not advance a quality rating system proposal that would have ranked providers, rewarding those with strong curricula, educated teachers and learning-centered facilities.

Zwolak said the state needs to raise the bar, focusing also on teacher education. At his child care center, providers — called faculty — are given weekly professional development from early childhood experts on topics such as early literacy, child development and classroom practice. Yet, he said, the state is still struggling to get basic first aid approved.

"Right now, the state's developed standards as exactly that — the bare minimum," Zwolak said. "We devalue the value of our children with a system that looks only to the bottom."

Nancy.Cambria@post-dispatch.com

314-340-8238

Lawmaker seeks tougher day-care laws

2008-07-15T08:49:00.001-05:00

An infant's death at an unlicensed home day-care center near Arnold should be a wake-up call for better child safety, says a local lawmaker.

"I think the bottom line is that Missouri's weak laws are putting children at risk," said State Rep. Rachel Storch, D-St. Louis, who plans to introduce a package of child-care reforms next January. "We have problems with regulations and we have problems with our complaint process."

Click here to read the entire article

July 14 KMOX Interview w/ Senator Rachel Storch

2008-07-15T08:48:00.001-05:00

Click here to listen to Steve and Shelley's July 14 interview on the Charlie Brennan show with Senator Rachel Storch.

KMOX Monday July 14th

2008-07-11T15:08:00.000-05:00

Steve and Shelley will be on KMOX 1120AM again this Monday, July 14th at 9:30 a.m. on the Charlie Brennan show. His show starts at 9:00 a.m., but I believe their interview won’t begin until 9:30 a.m. Senator Rachel Storch will also be on there with them as an advocate. Be sure to listen!

Thoughts on Empathy

2008-07-09T14:50:00.001-05:00

We must be tender with the young,
Compassionate with the aged,
Sensitive with the striving,
And tolerant with the weak and wrong.

- Author Unknown

The Interview on Charlie Brennan's Show

2008-07-07T10:42:00.003-05:00

Click here to listen to the interview

I thought Steve and Shelley did great on the radio! It takes alot of bravery to put yourself out there and tell your story. One thing bothers me though...The last lady who called in, "Donna", thinks she's perfect and she would never take her kid to a daycare with 10 children to 2 adults. Well, I'm not sure about Donna's state of mind because first she thought they said there were TWO HUNDRED kids at that house in Arnold, but, whatever. I tried to call and comment, but it was too late. I hate that she was the last caller.

But, what I would like to ask "Donna" is if she would take her kid to a daycare with 6 kids to 2 adults. I'd imagine she'd say yes. I'd also like to know what she thinks about the fact that Missouri doesn't count kids who are related to the daycare provider, and that even though, physically, there were 10 kids there who all needed to be taken care of, Missouri only counts 6. Because those 4 who are related to the daycare owner magically don't need any care or ever get hurt or need adult supervision.

So, "Perfect Donna", what do you think about that? Don't you think there's something wrong there? How does Missouri measure up?

Grief, It's Not as Evil as You Think

2008-07-04T16:19:00.001-05:00

I want you to know about a presentation that Pam Weiss, Annie's Hope Horizons Coordinator, is doing in collaboration with Heartland Hospice.

"Grief, It's Not as Evil as You think"
Wednesday, July 16th
6:30 PM
at Spazios in the Comfort Inn Westport
12301 Lackland Road
314-878-1400

There is a meal cost of $14 to attend.
You can pay with a check when you arrive.

The dinner buffet includes salad, rolls, almond encrusted pork, Chef's
vegetable medley, cavatelli bolognese, dessert & drinks.

Please call to make your reservation by July 14th by calling 314-453-0990

Directions:
Highway 270 to Page East- Exit 16A to Lackland Road, go right then pass
though the 2nd stoplight. The hotel will be on the right at the top if the hill.
Call 878-1400 if you need additional directions.

Interview with KMOX on Monday, July 7

2008-07-03T14:06:00.003-05:00

Nathan's story was on the Charlie Brennan Show on KMOX this morning, and Nathan's parents have an interview with KMOX (1120 AM) on Monday, July 7, 2008 at 9am. Be sure to listen!

We Made the Front Page of the Post!

2008-06-30T08:23:00.001-05:00

Infant's death shows gaps in care licensing

JEFFERSON COUNTY — Leslie Lutz and her sister Louise Tesson had a way with small children.

Every weekday about 7 a.m., parents toting infant carriers and diaper bags arrived at Lutz's tidy ranch house in a subdivision near Arnold. Tesson gave the little ones pet names such as Crunch 'n' Munch and Little Cracker Jacker. And Lutz was generous with parenting tips.

Read more...

Senator Obama introduces the Preventing Stillbirth and SUID Act of 2008

2008-06-23T14:42:00.000-05:00

First Candle is pleased to announce its full support of the Preventing Stillbirth and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Act of 2008 which was introduced on Tuesday, June 17th by U.S. Senator Barack Obama of Illinois. The bill would establish a national stillbirth and SUID registry and promote prevention and risk reduction activities nationwide.

Each year, more than 25,000 women in the United States experience a stillbirth and approximately 4,500 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly. First Candle, a leading health organization dedicated to safe pregnancies and the survival of babies through the first year of life, has served as a lead advisor to Senator Obama in crafting the bill.

First Candle urges you to write to your Senators and encourage them to join Senator Obama by adding their name as cosponsor of this important legislation.
Additionally, we also invite you to support H.R. 5979, the Stillbirth Awareness and Research Act of 2008, introduced by Congressman Peter King of New York.

To learn more today about these groundbreaking bills visit www.firstcandle.org. Thank you for your support in the belief that every baby should live.

Strides for SIDS 2008!

2008-06-01T13:16:00.002-05:00

This first annual Strides for SIDS was a great success! We had wonderful weather, and a great turnout! Thank you to those who participated, volunteered, and donated your time or helped out financially. Next year is going to be even better! Here are a few pics from the event:

Listen to KMOX on Sunday, May 11!

2008-05-08T08:56:00.000-05:00

This Sunday Lori from SIDS Resources, Inc. will be on KMOX around 1:30 to talk about safe sleep practices for babies! Be sure to check it out!

Register for the Strides for SIDS event!!!

2008-05-01T11:25:00.002-05:00

Have you registered yet for Strides for SIDS on May 31 in Forest Park? If not, please do so now! The clock is ticking :)

Print a registration form here:
Registration Form for Strides for SIDS 5K (PDF)

Would you rather register online? Click here!

Would you like to volunteer at the event? Print a volunteer form here:
Volunteer Form for Strides for SIDS 5K (PDF)

Nathan's Article in the Jefferson County Journal

2008-03-18T13:52:00.002-05:00

ARNOLD: Parents on crusade after death of infant son
Nathan Blecha died at unlicensed day care

By Trish Wallace
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 12:49 PM CDT

He would have celebrated his first birthday Monday, licking a first taste of birthday cake icing off of his fingers and learning to unwrap presents on his own.

Instead, Nathan Jay Blecha died last summer at an in-home day care in Arnold just two days after he turned 3 months old. He suffocated after being put down for a nap on his stomach instead of his back.

His death was officially declared accidental, but Nathan's parents, Steve and Shelley Blecha, of Imperial, believe the tragedy was preventable and want to save other families from experiencing similar grief.Steve said that when he is out in public and sees a family with a baby, he has to fight the urge to rush up to the parents and tell them to be careful.

The Blechas do not believe the owner of the day care intended for any harm to come to their son and believe she is remorseful over Nathan's death.

"We're certainly not doing this to do a witch hunt," Steve said.

Instead, they want to raise awareness about the dangers of unlicensed day cares and the importance of laying babies to sleep on their backs.

June 26, 2007

Just like any other Tuesday morning, the Blechas dropped off Nathan and his 3-year-old brother, Clayton, at the day care in Arnold, expecting to see both of their children later that evening. The Blechas said the day care owner's sister was left in charge of 10 children that day.

Shelley said the sister explained later that when she put Nathan down for a nap in a separate room, another baby was already soundly sleeping. Not wanting to disturb the first baby's rest, the sister did not turn on the light in the room, and placed Nathan on his stomach to sleep in a playpen.

Because the room was dark, the sister did not realize the plastic padding on top of the playpen was not only loose but bunched close to Nathan's face.

"He wasn't a long nap taker," Shelley said.

Realizing Nathan was sleeping longer than usual, the sister went into the room to check on Nathan only to discover he wasn't breathing.

He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

"I think the only reason the paramedics worked on him was as a courtesy to us," Steve said, convinced that by the time his son was discovered, he was already far past the point of recovery.

Shelley was quick to note that Nathan's death was not declared a result of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), though the way he died is similar to the way some SIDS deaths occur. The official autopsy report listed the primary cause of death as re-breath, or suffocation.

The owner of the day care could not be reached for comment.

Learning to cope

Though the baby was only 3 months old, Nathan had already developed a distinct personality completely different from his brother, his parents said.

While Clayton loved being the center of attention and was quite a handful as a baby, Nathan was much more easy going, for the most part only crying when he could not see everything that was going on.

That distinct personality also left a distinct hole in the family's life.

The Blechas said that as a toddler, Clayton was a little jealous of his brother at first, but in the last several weeks of Nathan's life, Clayton had warmed up to the role of big brother. The parents even caught the boy singing to the baby on occasion.

A few days after Nathan died, Clayton asked Steve to fix "my Nathan." The Blechas tried to explain to their son that his brother was with Jesus and that if he looked to the sky he could think of Nathan in heaven.

"He says, 'I'm going to get a trampoline and jump high enough to bring my Nathan down,'" Steve said. "He still goes into his brother's room and says, 'Nathan has a pretty room, Daddy.'"

Although Nathan's death was not a SIDS death, Steve and Shelley are grateful for the help they have received from the SIDS foundation, especially in handling young Clayton's reactions to the tragedy since he was at the day care when Nathan died.

"I'm hopeful that whatever it was that the oldest witnessed, he forgets," Steve said.

Steve stared longingly at one of his favorite pictures of Nathan.

"He was such a good baby," he said.

Nowhere to turn

The Blechas filed a claim against the day-care owner's insurance company, but to no avail. They said her insurance policy was written with the correct wording to exempt the company from any responsibility because the homeowner did not claim her home business with the company.

"It just seems like every step of the way we've been punched in the gut," Steve said.

The Blechas know that no amount of money will remove their months of grief and continued healing, but they had hoped to ease part of the financial burden of the ambulance ride, hospital bills, funeral, burial and loss of wages.

"It's not the money," Shelley said. "We just feel like something needs to be done."

Steve agreed.

"We just don't feel like anything has been done to justify what has happened," he added.

Missouri law

In the months following Nathan's death, his family expected that the county or the state would somehow take care of the situation. They soon learned the reality that no charges would be brought against the day care owner.

While Missouri Revised Statues declare the operation of a child care facility without a license to be unlawful, state law restricts the penalty to a fine, similar to a traffic ticket.

"So it will only cost you $200 to kill someone's kid," Steve said.

However, Missouri legislators are ready to take the first steps toward change. State Rep. Tim Meadows, D-Arnold, just signed on as a co-sponsor to a bill last week that will tighten some of the standards required for the licensing of child care facilities.

"We need to do this," Meadows said. "This is way overdue."

House Bill 2353, was originally filed by state Rep. Regina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, and allows for a day care license to be revoked if the center fails to meet the standards of its municipality. If the facility meets state requirements but fails to meet stricter conditions required from a local municipality, the city can call Jefferson City and request an investigation.

"This is not the cure-all, but it is a step forward," Walsh said.

The bill has already had one hearing.

"My heart goes out to that family," Meadows said after learning about the Blechas' loss.

He said he would be in favor of further legislation that forces more responsibility on those who own child care facilities.

How to choose a child care provider

When Nathan's older brother, Clayton, was born, Steve and Shelley had no idea how to find an appropriate day care facility. Despite all of the preparedness parenting classes offered at hospitals from Lamaze and breast feeding to tips to calm a fussy baby, the Blechas had no idea how to find the right child care provider.

"No one teaches you about day cares or how to shop for one," Shelley said.

Deciding they preferred the personal, homey environment of an in-home day care-known by the state as a family child care home-the Blechas interviewed multiple candidates.

Steve and Shelley finally decided on a woman who had been suggested by their church. They were impressed by her structured curriculum.

"She seemed like she knew what she was doing," Steve said.

Shelley admitted that she knew the day-care provider was not licensed by the state, but the young mother did not realize then that providing child care, even in one's own home, without a license is illegal. She even recommended the day-care services to other families.

"It never dawned on me that I should be concerned about that," Shelley said.

Christine Soong, owner of A Child's Place in Barnhart, started her business as an unlicensed day care in her home but quickly took on the classes required for licensing, including the training that emphasizes the importance of baby sleeping positions.

Soong said day-care owners are required to go through 12 hours of training every year to maintain their licenses. The state performs inspections to make sure all of the center's standards meet state requirements.

She also said that the records of child care facilities and day care centers are open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Web site provides tips to choosing an appropriate and legal day care.

In hindsight, the Blechas know they could have asked more questions and raised concerns.

"If you have to say, 'Wow, it's amazing she can take care of so many kids. I could never do that,' it's a sign," Shelley warned.

Sympathetic to the Blechas grief, Soong complimented their efforts toward change.

"I think it's fantastic that they're trying to make more of an awareness," she said.

Today

The Blechas have been active with SIDS, networking with other families who have suffered the loss of a baby. Because the organization was the only helpful resource for the family after Nathan died, Shelley has worked hard with SIDS Resources to plan the first Strides for SIDS event, a 5k run fund-raiser for the organization. The event is planned for May 31 at Forest Park.

The family has other reasons to be excited. Shelley is pregnant, and the baby is due Aug. 27.

See the article

Many Thanks to the Elks of High Ridge!

2008-03-07T11:45:00.001-06:00

We'd like to extend a huge "Thank You" to the Elks of High Ridge for donating the BBQ wagon for us to use on race day!

Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity!

Help us raise funds and awareness for SIDS Resources!

2008-03-06T11:53:00.001-06:00

SIDS Resources, Inc. is hosting their first annual 5K in Forest Park on May 31, 2008. This event is monumental in the efforts to raise awareness and funds to ensure every baby thrives and survives. SIDS Resources is a not-for-profit organization that provides family support to those who have experienced the tragedy of sudden infant death, as well as public education on how to reduce the risk.

Join us in this effort in remembrance of Nathan Jay Blecha, who passed away at the all too young age of just 3 months and 2 days. SIDS Resources has been incredibly generous and helpful to my family and others in their time of need. They have joined forces with many other organizations to increase awareness on safe sleep practices for babies, most notably the “Back to Sleep” campaign, and are working hard to make sure this never happens again.

For more information and to donate, simply click the link below:
http://www.active.com/donate/TeamNathan

State audit suggests harsher penalties for illegal day cares

2008-01-24T10:10:00.000-06:00

http://www.columbiatribune.com/2008/Jan/20080119News014.asp

State audit suggests harsher penalties for illegal day cares

Published Saturday, January 19, 2008
KANSAS CITY (AP) - Missouri officials need to increase penalties against people who operate child day-care centers illegally, a new state audit says.

The report, released Thursday by Missouri State Auditor Susan Montee’s office, said it found instances where the state Department of Health and Senior Services responded to repeated complaints about unlicensed day care operators without prosecuting them or ensuring that they were complying with state law.

Offenders can be fined as much as $200 for a first violation, and subsequent violations are treated as Class A misdemeanors. But the audit said such low penalties have had little effect on some operators who mightmake $100 a week per child.

It also noted that surrounding states charge much higher fines, including Nebraska, which charges operators $5 per day for each child over capacity, and Kansas, with a fine of $500 per violation per day.

In a written response, the department said it was collecting information on substantiated cases against illegal child-care providers and would use that data to determine whether increased penalties are warranted.

The audit also criticized state laws that allow children related to the operators of home-based day-care centers to be exempt from many licensing regulations.

For example, they aren’t counted against the 10-child limit for family day-care home centers or the 20-child limit for group homes, potentially allowing child-care centers to become overcrowded.

Also, related children don’t show up in child discipline or illness records, exposing other children to increased risk of abuse or disease.

Department officials said they tried to count related children toward licensing requirements as part of a 2004 wholesale change of child-care regulations but public criticism led them to shelve the entire measure. They said they will introduce new licensing rules this year focused solely on the related-children issue.

Auditors also found problems with how long it takes the department to complete investigations into complaints and refer them for legal action. For example, a review of 2,722 complaints found that 42 percent of investigations weren’t completed within the required 30 days, and 2 percent weren’t completed within six months.

Audit pushes for harsher penalties for illegal child care providers

2008-01-24T09:56:00.000-06:00

http://www.kait8.com/Global/story.asp?S=7737954&nav=0jsh

Associated Press - January 17, 2008 6:14 PM ET

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A new audit says Missouri officials aren't doing enough to stop people from operating illegal child day care centers.

State Auditor Susan Montee's office released the audit today.

It says current penalties for illegal day care centers are too low to force many violators to change their ways. Auditors also say that inspectors can't be sure that those who are caught don't continue violating the law.

The audit also criticizes state regulations that don't require children of home day care operators to be counted as part of the maximum allowed.

The Department of Health and Senior Services says it's gathering information to determine whether tougher penalties are needed. The department says it will try to change those regulations this year.

STLMoms: Bedtime Basics

2008-01-15T13:27:00.000-06:00

(KTVI - myFOXstl.com) -- In today’s STLMoms.com segment, it's a disturbing statistic for any new parent, 2500 sudden infant deaths happen each year in the United States. Now, St. Louis Children's Hospital is launching a campaign called "Bedtime Basics for Babies." Dr. James Kemp is the co-director of the sleep lab at St. Louis Children's Hospital. He joined us on FOX 2 in the Morning.

Click to watch!

Mark your calendars!

2008-01-15T08:40:00.001-06:00

SIDS Resources is hosting their first annual 5K in Forest Park this year! May 31, 2008 will be the big day! We'll be looking for volunteers for race day, and participants! More information to follow :)

Registration Form for Strides for SIDS 5K (PDF)
Donation Form for Strides for SIDS 5K (PDF)
Sponsor Form for Strides for SIDS 5K (PDF)
Sponsorship Benefits and Levels for Strides for SIDS 5K (PDF)
Sponsor Letter for Strides for SIDS 5K (.doc)
Volunteer Form for Strides for SIDS 5K (PDF)

Insurance Reminder!

2008-01-15T08:31:00.001-06:00

If you have a child in daycare please make sure to check with your daycare provider on whether or not they have the proper liability insurance! Liability insurance in not a licensing requirement in Missouri!!! But, as you can imagine, very important when someone gets hurt - or worse.

If you run a daycare, please be responsible and call your insurance agent and discuss the best way to protect yourself and the children you watch.

View this PDF Child Daycare Associations for more info.

More Info:
http://www.nncc.org/Business/liabil.ins.ccc.html

How to be happy again

2007-12-13T10:01:00.000-06:00

How to be happy again
Finding love, joy and peace of mind after a devastating loss

Each year, approximately 2.5 million people in this country die, leaving behind an average of five close bereaved friends and family members. Yet how people heal from the death of a loved one has remained largely unexamined since the most well-known book on the subject, Elisabeth KŸbler-Ross's On Death and Dying (Scribner), was published in 1969. KŸbler-Ross's theories continue to shape the way many experts believe grieving typically progresses, in five separate, successive stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

Read the full article here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22186226/

SIDS Resources Annual Holiday Candle Lighting

2007-11-30T09:45:00.000-06:00

Gifts that Give!

2007-11-28T10:47:00.000-06:00

First Candle is a national nonprofit health organization uniting parents, caregivers and researchers nationwide with government, business and community service groups to advance infant health and survival. With help from a national network of member and partner organizations, we are working to increase public participation and support in the fight against infant mortality.

Shop at the First Candle Mall where a percentage of every purchase comes back to First Candle.

One-on-One calls with Santa! This holiday season, First Candle is partnering with Santa 1-on-1 to bring the spirit of Christmas and magic of Santa Claus directly to the ears and hearts of children everywhere. Santa 1-on-1 allows children to receive a call directly from Santa and participate in a personal conversation with him! Details, such as pets, teacher’s names, gifts requested, etc., will be worked out ahead of time and woven into the conversation.

In addition to bringing a special child’s dream to life, your gift will also support First Candle in our efforts to help babies survive and thrive. For every call scheduled, $1 will be donated. You will also be provided the opportunity to make a personal donation to First Candle at the time of purchase.

To learn more and schedule your call, visit Santa Says Hello.

Don’t delay – get your call scheduled early to make sure you get your first choice of day and time!

Gift Cards - Just in Time for the Holidays!!!

2007-11-09T09:32:00.000-06:00

This is great! Here is a HUGE list of retailers who will donate an average of 4% to SIDS Resources when you purchase a gift card from Lori at SIDS Resources!!! To order a gift card from the retailer of your choice, simply contact Lori or Paul at SIDS Resources at 314-822-2323.

The program will go on as long as there is a demand!!! Share this with your friends! Many are probably already considering purchasing gift cards from these retailers as gifts for the holidays!!! Please allow about 10 days processing time to receive your cards.

Together We’re Better, Inc.
Merchant List

GROCERY STORES
Dierberg’s: $25, $100
Shop ‘n’ Save: $5, $10, $25, $50, $100

MISCELLANEOUS
AMC Theatres: $7
Baskin Robbins: $2
Blockbuster: $10, $25
Exxon / Mobil: $50
Honey Baked Ham: $25
Marriott: $50

RESTAURANTS
Acapulco (El Torito): $25
Annie Gunn: $10
Applebee’s: $20
Bahama Breeze (Red Lobster): $25
Bartolino’s: $25
Bennigan’s (Metromedia Restaurant Group): $10
Bonanza Steakhouse (Metromedia Restaurant Group): $10
Braxton (Houlihan’s Seafood Group): $20
Bristol Bar & Grill (Houlihan’s Seafood Group): $20
Buffalo Wild Wings: $10, $25
Burger King: $5
California Pizza: $25
Cannoli’s: $10
Casa Gallardo (El Torito): $25
Cheesecake Factory: $25
Chequer’s Bar & Grill (Houlihan’s Seafood Group): $20
Chevy’s Tex Mex: $25
Chili’s: $20
Chris’s Pancakes & Dining: $10
Corner Bakery Café (Chili’s): $25
Cracker Barrel: $10
Devons Bar & Grill (Houlihan’s Seafood Group): $20
El Paso Cantina (El Torito): $25
El Torito: $25
Guadala Harry’s (El Torito): $25
¡Hola! Amigos (El Torito): $25
Houlihan’s: $20
Imo’s Pizza: $20
J. Buck’s Restaurant: $10
KFC: $5
Maggiano’s Little Italy (Chili’s): $20
Metromedia Restaurant Group: $10
O’Charley’s: $25
Old Country Buffet: $25
Olive Garden (Red Lobster): $10
On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina (Chili’s): $20
Outback Restaurants: $25
Panera Bread: $10
Papa John's: $25
Pasta House: $10
Pizza Hut: $10
Ponderosa Steakhouse (Metromedia Restaurant Group):$10
Qdoba: $25
Red Lobster: $10
Red Robin: $10
Romano’s Macaroni Grill (Chili’s): $20
Smokehouse Market (Annie Gunn):$10
Smokey Bones (Red Lobster): $10
St. Louis Bread Company (Panera Bread): $10
Starbucks: $10
TGI Fridays: $10
Yacovelli’s: $10

RETAIL STORES
B. Dalton (Barnes & Noble): $10, $25
Babies R Us (Toys R Us): $25
Banana Republic (Gap): $25
Barnes & Noble: $10, $25
Bass Pro: $25
Bath & Body Works: $10, $20
Bed, Bath & Beyond: $25
Borders: $10, $25
Eddie Bauer: $25
Famous Barr (Macy's): $25, $50, $100
Gaffney’s Sporting Goods: $10
Gap: $25
Gart Sports (Sports Authority): $25
Gordman's: $25
Home Depot: $25, $50, $100, $1000
Imaginarium (Sports Authority): $25
JC Penney: $25
Kids R Us (Toys R Us): $25
Kmart: $25
Land’s End: $25
Linens N Things: $25
Lord & Taylor (Famous Barr): $25, $50, $100
Lowe’s: $10, $25, $50, $100, $250, $1000
Macy's: $25, $50, $100
Office Depot: $25
Old Navy (Gap): $25
Oshman’s (Sports Authority): $25
Payless Shoes: $10
Pier One: $25
Sears: $25
Sports Authority: $25
Sportsmart (Sports Authority): $25
Toys R Us: $10, $25
Waldenbooks (Borders): $10, $25
Walgreens: $10, $25
White Barn (Bath & Body): $20

Some of these merchants may be offered on a combined card. In these cases, we have listed the merchant followed by the main merchant listed on their card. Please use this name in parentheses when ordering. Thank You!

Pics from the Share Walk

2007-11-03T09:39:00.000-05:00

Better late than never, right?

American SIDS Institute Memorial Page

2007-10-24T11:12:00.000-05:00

Click here to see Nathan's entry on the American SIDS Institute Memorial Page.

The American SIDS Institute is committed to reducing sudden infant death through research and education. They are funded entirely by grants and donations. Please know that you can make a donation in Nathan's name by going to their secure Website at www.sids.org and by clicking on Make a Donation. You can also send checks to American SIDS Institute, 509 Augusta Drive, Marietta, GA 30067

Like many non-profit organizations, they have had a tough year financially, so your help is much appreciated.

Nathan's page on SIDSfamilies.com

2007-10-19T15:42:00.000-05:00

Check out Nathan's page on SIDS Families.com!

But my baby doesn't like sleeping on his back. Can't I let him sleep on his tummy?

2007-10-17T09:22:00.000-05:00

http://sids.org/nfeaturedques.htm

But my baby doesn't like sleeping on his back. Can't I let him sleep on his tummy?
response by
Betty McEntire, PhD, Executive Director, American SIDS Institute

Answer:

It's hard to know for sure what babies like since they can't tell us. However, babies do tend to cry more when placed on their backs. In fact, for many "hard to soothe" infants, placing them on their stomachs does seem to calm them and help them fall to sleep. Also, babies wake less when on their stomachs and it takes more stimulation to wake them than when they are on their backs. Another thing we know is that tummy-sleeping infants retain more heat than when on their backs.

But should parents give in and place their little ones on their tummies? They should certainly not! Infants are more likely to have apnea (pauses in breathing) when on their stomachs. They are also more likely to re-breathe the air they have just exhaled, which can raise their levels of carbon dioxide. The increased retention of body heat can also be dangerous for some infants. But more convincing than any other fact is that belly-sleep has up to 12.9 times the risk of death as back-sleep*.

* Changing concepts of sudden infant death syndrome: implications for infant sleeping environment and sleep position. American Academy of Pediatrics. Task Force on Infant Sleep Position and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Pediatrics 2000 Mar;105(3 Pt 1):650-656.

What SIDS is not

2007-10-09T09:34:00.000-05:00

What SIDS is not:

Click here for the article

The determination that a baby died of SIDS means that a coroner or medical examiner could find no other cause of death after an autopsy, examination of the death scene and a review of the medical history of the baby and its mother.

Experts don't know what causes SIDS. But they agree SIDS is not:

-- The result of homicide or accidental suffocation or strangulation.

-- The result of neglected illness, accidents or abuse, or the Munchausen by Proxy syndrome, in which parents harm their children so the parents get attention from doctors.

-- Preventable. There are things parents can do to reduce the RISK of their baby dying from SIDS, like place him or her in a back sleeping position, breastfeed and not smoke. But some babies still die from the syndrome when all precautions have been taken.

-- Treatable. While there are occasional reports of "near-SIDS" events, these are in fact some other type of life-threatening event generally affecting low-birth-weight or premature infants. SIDS babies cannot be revived.

-- Apnea (cessation of breathing). People of all ages do stop breathing for various medical reasons, but in SIDS, not breathing is a result, not the cause of death. Infants with apnea can be resuscitated; babies who die from SIDS cannot be.

-- The result of infant botulism, which often strikes babies around the same age. Botulism can easily be found by medical tests after death.

-- Caused by immunization. Although SIDS may coincide with some baby shots, there is no proven link and babies who have not been immunized have also died from the syndrome.

-- Caused by colds or stomach viruses. While many parents report their infant had recently had a bout with such illnesses, researchers say this timing is also coincidental and not any direct cause of SIDS. The syndrome is not contagious.

-- Hereditary. Repeat cases of SIDS in a family are very, very rare. Although it's possible that some genetic traits that put infants at greater risk could be passed along, there's no significant evidence that they are.

October 15

2007-10-09T09:20:00.000-05:00

October 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day!

Did you know:

* 983,000 babies died in 1996, from miscarriage and stillbirth.

* In 1995, 15.7% of pregnancies ended in fetal demise, miscarriage or stillbirth.

* Those figures don't include neonatal loss, SIDS, or other causes.

Ideas for October 15th

* Light candles and display them in your windows.

* Contact local Radio and News stations and have them announce that it is October 15th, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

* Drive with your headlights on. Also, ask that radio and news stations announce this as well.

* Leave your porch lights on. Have radio and news stations announce this as well.

* Sponsor a candle lighting ceremony in a park, church, or local hospital.

Visit www.October15.com for more information!

Share Walk this weekend!

2007-10-05T10:45:00.000-05:00

The Share Walk is this weekend! Starting at The Muny in Forest Park:

Event Schedule

9:00 a.m. Check-in and Registration

10:00 a.m. Memorial Service & Balloon Release

10:45 a.m. Walk/Run

Angels in the Crowd: Unable to attend? Or, do you want to be a part of the experience without walking? Register for the Walk as an Angel in the crowd and receive a t-shirt and program, whether you walk or not.

1 Mile Walk: All walkers, including families, first time walkers, and recreational walkers, are welcome to enjoy a peaceful walk around the beautiful Muny.

3 Mile Walk/Run: Enjoy higher levels of fitness with this non-competitive walk/run around the back of the St. Louis Zoo and the Muny.
11:30 a.m. Picnic

KFC Picnic Lunch Boxes are available for purchase on the registration form, or you can bring your own lunch. Bring a blanket, a chair, or tailgate and join participants, volunteers, sponsors, and staff for food and friendship.

Claire McCaskill is on the right track!

2007-09-20T16:52:00.000-05:00

In 2002, Sen. Claire McCaskill's audit on child-care providers called for sweeping changes in the way day-care facilities are run.

Five years later, has anything changed?

State legislators and day-care advocacy groups say things haven't changed.

"There has not been any legislation or any rule regulations passed," said Andie Schleicher, executive director of the Child Day Care Association in St. Louis. "There have been changes, but nothing has passed. There are a lot of people working on it."

Jeanette Mott Oxford, state representative for the 59th District in St. Louis, is one of those people. She's been working to improve income guidelines for subsidized child care for more than three years.

"Other child-care legislation has been in the works, but it's my understanding that nothing has been done to address the problems the audit pointed out," she said. "Part of the problem is that no House committee is charged with overseeing child-care issues, and I think that's a real shame."

The audit, conducted when McCaskill was the state auditor, said day-care regulations do not adequately limit the number of children allowed in a day-care facility and penalties are too weak to deter providers from breaking the law.

Not only is punishment lacking, according to the audit, but there is no standard criteria for penalizing providers when there has been a violation.

Child care providers are required to be licensed in Missouri if they care for more than four children, according to the audit, but bureau officials suspect there are several thousand unlicensed child care facilities operating in Missouri.

Another problem is that state law allows a licensed family child-care home to care for 10 unrelated children — and an unlimited number of related children.

Brewer said the problem with being allowed to have an unlimited number of related children is that there could be way too many kids at the facility and too few adults.

The death of an infant at an unlicensed day-care facility in Nixa earlier this year brought attention to problems at unlicensed day-care centers.

Police said the 4-month-old died accidentally. However, there were 16 children in the home being supervised by only one adult when the infant died.

The owner was charged with operating a child care facility without a state license and could face up to a year in the Christian County Jail and a maximum $1,000 fine if convicted of the Class A misdemeanor.

Brewer said people should report unlicensed facilities they believe are violating guidelines to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, or talk to the prosecuting attorney in their county.

email Claire McCaskill and let her know you appreciate what she's doing, and ask for a follow up audit on child day cares in Missouri!

Child Protection and Reformation

2007-09-20T16:41:00.000-05:00

Chapter 210
Child Protection and Reformation
Section 210.211

August 28, 2006

210.211. 1. It shall be unlawful for any person to establish, maintain or operate a child-care facility for children, or to advertise or hold himself or herself out as being able to perform any of the services as defined in section 210.201, without having in effect a written license granted by the department of health and senior services; except that nothing in sections 210.203 to 210.245 shall apply to:

(1) Any person who is caring for four or fewer children...

Click here to read the entire license requirements.

Audit of Missouri Daycare Standards

2007-09-20T13:25:00.000-05:00

Missouri is in severe need of child care regulations!

http://www.auditor.mo.gov/press/2002-52.htm

See the official report (PDF)

...child care providers are required to be licensed in Missouri if they care for more than four unrelated children (WHY does it matter if they're related?). Auditors found bureau officials have not always effectively dealt with unlicensed child care facilities and current state penalties do not deter some providers from operating illegally.

...Unlicensed providers can only be charged with an infraction, which carries a maximum $200 fine for the first violation of state law. The fine has not deterred providers from operating illegally even though some were prosecuted and fined. Statements from providers show how they openly refuse to follow state law: “I do keep more than four non-related children at one time. I plan to continue to do so. I do not want to give the names. I do not want a license.” In addition, fines levied against unlicensed providers are much higher in other states.

Shop for a Cause at Macy's!

2007-09-17T16:50:00.000-05:00

On October 13, 2007, Macy’s will celebrate a national day of support for nonprofit organizations in communities nationwide!

When you make a $5 donation to First Candle, you will receive a ticket for 10-20% off on all purchases made that day.

100 percent of your donation will be used to support the research, education, advocacy and grief support services at First Candle.

Click here for the link!

More Media Contacts

2007-09-17T14:43:00.000-05:00

Please use the sample letter in this blog to ask for a story from the following:

To submit a story idea to one of the ABC News shows listed below, write a single page letter including your name, phone number, and address. Include photocopies of backup information. On the outside of the envelope, write "Story Idea." If a producer is interested in your story, he/she will contact you. Here are the show addresses:

20/20
147 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10023

Primetime
147 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10023

Nightline/This Week
1717 DeSales Street NW
Washington, DC 20036

World News With Charles Gibson
47 West 66th Street 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10023

Good Morning America
147 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10023

Nathan!

2007-09-13T14:16:00.000-05:00

That is his name! Nathan Jay Blecha. When I met him at the hospital the first thing I said was how smart he looked. He was looking right in my eyes when I held him for the first time, and he looked like a wise old man. In the 3 months that he spent with us, he has taught so many people so much, and changed lives forever.

Day Care Owner Liable In SIDS Death

2007-09-13T10:19:00.000-05:00

Day Care Owner Liable In SIDS Death

Please keep in mind this article is over 6 years old, and studies and research would find today that this infant's death was NOT SIDS, rather suffocation due to being laid down for sleep on her stomach.

By ERIC RICH
The Hartford Courant
January 31, 2001

A jury deliberated less than two hours Tuesday before awarding $800,000 to a woman whose daughter died of sudden infant death syndrome two years ago at a day care center in Bolton.

In one of the first judgments of its kind in the state, the six-member jury found the day care owner liable in the death of Shelby LePage because she failed to take steps that might have prevented the child's death.

The attorney for Shelby's mother had argued that Barbara Horne, the owner of Barbara's Day Care, allowed the infant to sleep on her stomach on Dec. 8, 1998, even though she knew that particular sleeping position was associated with a higher risk of SIDS. Shelby was between two and 12 times more likely to die of SIDS as a result, LePage's attorney, Gerald S. Sack, said.

After the verdict in the wrongful death case was read at Rockville Superior Court, a relieved Mary LePage said the case sends an important message to day care providers, who, she said, have been slower than parents to grasp the significance of sleeping position. LePage, who took the stand during four days of testimony, said the trial was emotionally difficult but important for that message.

"If this information getting out saves the life of one child, then it was worth it," she said.

LePage, of Coventry, waited 74 days after Shelby's birth to return to her job at a printing company in Norwich. The next day, Shelby's second at the day care center, LePage got a phone call. For her, every new parent's worst fear had come true.

Police investigated, as did state child-service workers. A pathologist from the state medical examiner's office ruled that Shelby died of SIDS and classified the manner of death as natural, rejecting such options as homicide or accident.

No action was taken against Horne or her day care program -until LePage filed the wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of her daughter's estate.

After the verdict, Horne shook her head and stared into an empty corner. She walked from the courtroom red-eyed and stunned.

"It's not fair," she said as her attorney, Jay Melley, rushed to her side. "It was natural causes. It's not fair."

Melley had argued that experts have conflicting opinions about the link between sleeping position and the poorly understood syndrome that took Shelby's life.

"It's a curveball from nature," he told the jury. "It happens without explanation."

After the verdict, Melley declined comment and would not say whether he would appeal.

Although similar actions have been brought in other states, William J. Sweeney, past president of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, said he knew of no such cases in this state.

"I certainly know of people who have thought of bringing one," Sweeney said, "but most people think it's a pretty tough case to win" because of the sudden nature of the syndrome.

Sweeney said one of the issues that vexes such claims, and one that he believed probably will be raised on appeal, is whether the defendant should have been able to foresee the danger of a syndrome that strikes so suddenly and, often, without warning.

The verdict came just hours after Dr. Ira Kanfer told the jury that SIDS can occur to a child in any position, even "in the arms of a mother." Kanfer, the defense's sole witness, was the medical examiner who conducted an autopsy on Shelby

"Since no one knows what causes SIDS, the fact that the infant was placed on its side and then found dead on its stomach is just irrelevant," Kanfer testified.

But the plaintiff's expert witness, Dr. Herbert Scherzer, told the jury the sleeping position contributed to the death.

"The chance of her dying on the day she died was tremendously increased because she was lying prone," he testified.

In his summation, Sack said Horne had testified that she knew of the link but simply was not considering it at the time.

"When you accept a vulnerable infant into your home," he said, "you should be thinking about SIDS."

We are featured on Channel 5

2007-09-11T08:40:00.000-05:00

Wow! This is great! We are KSDK's Channel 5 Website of the Day! Click here to check it out!

Sample Letter to the Media

2007-09-10T14:41:00.000-05:00

I've attached a sample letter to the media that you can easily cut and paste into your emails and letters when you are requesting a story on SIDS, safe sleep practices, and SIDS Awareness Month. Here you go:

Date

Name
Address
City, state, zip

Dear _________,

I am writing to request that you allocate news coverage time during the month of October to the issue of sudden infant death. October is SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant loss Awareness month. We would appreciate any public awareness that your station could assist in bringing to this tragedy.

Each year in the United States, nearly 2,500 babies will succumb to SIDS. This devastating tragedy strikes without warning and often affects babies who otherwise appear to be healthy.

There is also critical risk reduction information that the community needs to be aware of and/or reminded of. Media coverage of this information helps to provide consistency in reminding new parents and all those who care for infants of the ways to reduce the risk of infant death.

(Insert any part of your story that you feel comfortable sharing).

I would also like to let you know that SIDS Resources is a non profit organization which provides support to families affected by the tragedy of sudden infant death as well as public and professional education regarding how to reduce the risk for infant death.

A representative from this organization would be available to answer any questions you may have to supplement your coverage. Please contact Lori at 800-421-3511 or 314-822-2323 to request additional information from SIDS Resources.

Thank you for your time and attention to this request. Please feel free to call me (if you feel comfortable with this) or SIDS Resources if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

signature

Your Name

I hate that we have this in common...

2007-09-08T23:24:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,
I just wanted to share with you the my inspiration for starting this blog. A friend of mine from high school started a blog about his youngest child that was diagnosed with cancer. Please take a minute and check out his blog: http://andrew4life.blogspot.com/

And, please keep little Andy in your thoughts and prayers!

Help Us! Tell the Media!

2007-09-06T10:25:00.001-05:00

October is SIDS Awareness Month!
Please take a moment to contact the St. Louis media to tell them your story about how SIDS has touched your life. SIDS and safe sleep practices needs MUCH more attention than it gets. By spreading the word we are saving lives!

Please be specific and ask for a feature on SIDS, Safe Sleep Practices for Infants, and SIDS Awareness Month (October).

Knowledge and education can prevent tragedies like the one that took my nephew's life. Please copy and paste this information and email to everyone in your contact list! The more requests made for a story the more likely it is we will get one!

Channel 2
Website Contact

Betsy Bruce
betseybruce@fox2ktvi.com

Channel 4
Channel 4 email: tips@kmov.com
Channel 4 ph: (314) 444-3344

Please also mention how SIDS Resources in St. Louis could benefit by a feature in "News 4 Angels"

Channel 5
Channel 5 email: newstips@ksdk.com
Channel 5 ph: 314-444-5126

Kay Quinn
kquinn@ksdk.com

Wendy Erikson
werikson@ksdk.com

Channel 11
Channel 11 email: KPLRnews@tribune.com
Channel 11 ph: 314-447-6340

St. Louis Post Dispatch
STLToday.com email: SiteEditor@stltoday.com
STLToday.com and St. Louis Post Dispatch ph: 314-340-8000

St. Louis Post Dispatch email: letters@post-dispatch.com

Suburban Journal ph: 314.821-1110

Jefferson County Journal
ph: 636-931-6636

Kevin Carbery
kcarbery@yourjournal.com

Bereaved Parents Wish List

2007-09-05T08:33:00.000-05:00

My Sister in Law shared this with me, it's very insightful:

Bereaved Parents Wish List

1. I wish my child hadn't died. I wish I had him back.

2. I wish you wouldn't be afraid to speak my child's name. My child lived and was very important to me. I need to hear that he was important to you also.

3. If I cry and get emotional when you talk about my child I wish you knew that it isn't because you have hurt me. My child's death is the cause of my tears. You have talked about my child, and you have allowed me to share my grief. I thank you for both.

4. I wish you wouldn't "kill" my child again by removing his pictures, artwork, or other remembrances from your home.

5. Being a bereaved parent is not contagious, so I wish you wouldn't shy away from me. I need you now more than ever.

6. I need diversions, so I do want to hear about you; but, I also want you to hear about me. I might be sad and I might cry, but I wish you would let me talk about my child, my favorite topic of the day.

7. I know that you think of and pray for me often. I also know that my child's death pains you, too. I wish you would let me know those things through a phone call, a card or note, or a real big hug.

8. I wish you wouldn't expect my grief to be over in six months. These first months are traumatic for me, but I wish you could understand that my grief will never be over. I will suffer the death of my child until the day I die.

9. I am working very hard in my recovery, but I wish you could understand that I will never fully recover. I will always miss my child, and I will always grieve that he is dead.

10. I wish you wouldn't expect me "not to think about it" or to "be happy." Neither will happen for a very long time, so don't frustrate yourself.

11. I don't want to have a "pity party," but I do wish you would let me grieve. I must hurt before I can heal.

12. I wish you understood how my life has shattered. I know it is miserable for you to be around me when I'm feeling miserable. Please be as patient with me as I am with you.

13. When I say "I'm doing okay," I wish you could understand that I don't "feel" okay and that I struggle daily.

14. I wish you knew that all of the grief reactions I'm having are very normal. Depression, anger, hopelessness and overwhelming sadness are all to be expected. So please excuse me when I'm quiet and withdrawn or irritable and cranky.

15. Your advice to "take one day at a time" is excellent advice. However, a day is too much and too fast for me right now. I wish you could understand that I'm doing good to handle an hour at a time.

16. Please excuse me if I seem rude, certainly not my intent. Sometimes the world around me goes too fast and I need to get off. When I walk away, I wish you would let me find a quiet place to spend time alone.

17. I wish you understood that grief changes people. When my child died, a big part of me died with him. I am not the same person I was before my child died, and I will never be that person again.

18. I wish very much that you could understand; understand my loss and my grief, my silence and my tears, my void and my pain. BUT I pray daily that you will never understand.

Do it the right way!

2007-09-04T14:47:00.001-05:00

Are you considering starting, or do you already run a day care out of your home? If so, please do it the right, ethical way, even if you only watch or plan to watch a few kids. People are putting their children's lives in your hands! Please visit the Child Day Care Association of St. Louis' website at:
http://www.childcarestl.org/
ph: 314.531.1412

And, they've got this handy little check list that makes it really easy to know if you're doing things the safe, legal, and healthy way! Check it out!

You can also contact SIDS Resources, who provides FREE training to child care providers throughout the state of Missouri to teach about safe sleep and developing safe sleep policies.

And finally, please give your insurance agent a call to make sure those precious little ones are insured while under your supervision!

U.S. Infant Mortality Rates

2007-09-04T14:36:00.000-05:00

Did you know...
The US has infant mortality rates higher than 27 other developed nations. There is much work to be done. To find out how you can support the important effort to prevent infant deaths, visit www.firstcandle.org, or call 800-221-7437, or email: info@firstcandle.org

This info comes from FirstCandle.org:
"As the nation’s leading organization dedicated to infant health and survival, First Candle is working to ensure that every baby is provided the best possible chance to celebrate not only their first birthday, but many happy birthday’s beyond. According to Dr. Marian Sokol, president of First Candle, the Caucus is critical to the organization’s mission. “If we are to reach our goal of a future where all babies survive and thrive, we must enlist the help of all those interested in the health and well-being of our nation’s most precious commodity . . . our children, our future,” said Sokol."

In Memory Of...

2007-09-04T14:10:00.000-05:00

Thank you to those of you that made a donation to the Cancer Society in memory of my nephew. Here's the link to the list of "in memory of" donations. His name is on the last page.

Kudos to Indiana and North Carolina!

2007-08-31T12:22:00.000-05:00

Did you know...
Indiana has a law that requires that licensed child care providers recieve certification that they have completed a training course on safe sleeping practices.

and North Carolina has a law that requires child care facilities to develop a safe sleep policy that requires caregivers to place children on their backs when sleeping in order to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

But She Probably Feels Really Bad...

2007-08-31T08:26:00.001-05:00

Someone kindly reminded me yesterday that the daycare lady probably feels really bad. I'm sure she feels terrible. But, feeling really bad after the fact doesn't prevent terrible things from happening. However, feeling really informed and maybe even scared you might get in trouble does prevent terrible things from happening.

My point is this:
If someone who is given the responsibility of caring for an infant knows that putting that infant on his tummy for a nap could result in getting charged with child endangerment, or even attempted murder, she wouldn't do it. Because it IS that big of a deal.

So my goal is this:
Strengthen the law regarding infant sleep placement, and establish harsher penalties in order to deter people from doing it. By strengthening the law and having harsher penalties we will be informing people. Because in turn, it will get news and other media coverage. This needs to become information that the common person knows. A drunk driver who crashes his car into someone and kills them can't just tell the judge he didn't know he wasn't supposed to do that.

Consider this:
Drunk driving wasn't always against the law
We didn't always have to wear seat belts
Children weren't always required to be in a car seat
Doctors used to tell pregnant mothers to smoke and have a glass of wine to relax

We can make a difference! It will just take time, persistence, and maybe a little humility.

Write to Congress!

2007-08-30T15:44:00.000-05:00

Your personal story and plea for support makes an enormous difference with Congress! Please write your two Senators and your Representative urging them to do the following:

· Encourage NICHD to continue to fund the SIDS research plan. This plan looks at the continuum of sudden death in early life that encompasses the last weeks of gestation (stillbirths) and the first year of life (SIDS).

· Establish a House committee with overseeing child-care issues.

· Establish regulations to adequately limit the number of children allowed in a day-care facility.

· Establish standard criteria for penalizing providers when there has been a violation.

· Strengthen penalties that are too weak to deter providers from breaking the law.

· Provide funding for demonstration projects for the CDC Sudden Infant Death Scene Protocol in rural, urban, and suburban settings to provide a nation-wide protocol for dealing with infant death scenes.

Furthermore, telephone calls and personal visits to your local or Washington, DC Congressional offices are also important and have tremendous impact on legislators. Legislators are always interested in responding to constituent concerns. Let them know that you are concerned about SIDS and child care and want to secure their commitment.

Click here to find your congressional officials

For further assistance, please call Sara Arnold at the First Candle/SIDS Alliance Washington, DC office at 202-544-7499 or Arnold@hmcw.org.

Who can help you in Missouri:
Pamela Speer
Pamela.Speer@dhss.mo.gov
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Section of Child Care Regulation

Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford
jeanette.oxford@house.mo.gov

The Back to Sleep Campaign

2007-08-30T15:15:00.000-05:00

Did you know...
It was thirteen years ago that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released its first policy statement on reducing the risk of SIDS. The statement recommended that all healthy infants be placed on their backs to sleep in order to reduce the risks of SIDS. Shortly thereafter, the NICHD joined with the AAP, the SIDS Alliance (now First Candle/ SIDS Alliance), the Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs, and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of HRSA to launch the Back to Sleep campaign to help inform all parents and infant care givers about the importance of back sleeping. Since then, the percentage of infants placed on their backs to sleep has increased dramatically, and the rates of SIDS have declined by more than 50 percent.

See the chart
View the source

Welcome & Background

2007-08-30T14:07:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my blog, Keep Our Babies Safe. This blog was created in an effort to let me spend my energy creating something good from something that was tragic. In June, my 3 months and 2 day old nephew died while at daycare. He was put down for a nap on his tummy in a pack and play and he suffocated. In effort to respect the privacy of his parents, I will not give my nephew's name, or the names of the people who were in charge of the daycare he was at. (Unless they want me to, and in that case I'll scream it at the top of my lungs, because he matters, and the daycare providers need to be made an example out of - not being vengeful, but we need to change the way things are handled, NOW.)

The means by which my nephew died were completely avoidable. No one should ever put a baby down for a nap on their tummy. No one person should ever be left incharge of the care of 10 children. And, no one should learn these things AFTER a tragedy has occured.

This blog will stress the importance of building awareness, give ways you can help, and share information to make sure this doesn't happen again.

Most people can only speak of angels, we had the chance to hold one.