Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Home Treatment

Content provided by Healthwise

Home Treatment

Dealing with grief

Losing a baby to SIDS is a tremendously painful experience. Each member of your family may respond in a different way. These different ways of coping with death can strain a marriage and a family. Along with grief, family members may be struggling with feelings of guilt. Support from family, friends, and possibly health professionals during this process is very important for everyone.

Grief: Coping with grief

Trusted doctors can help you after your baby's death. Be aware that your baby's death also can affect your doctor. He or she may recommend other trained professionals to give you the needed support. If you feel the response from your doctor is inadequate, seek help somewhere else. For instance:

• Join a grief support group. Ask your doctor if one specifically for parents who have lost babies to SIDS is available in your area.
• Visit a mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed professional counselor). Many families benefit from group counseling to help them deal with the tensions that arise after the loss of a baby.
• Talk with a close family member, friend, or clergy member.

For more information about and help with grief in general, see the topic Grief and Grieving.

Last updated:	September 15, 2008
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC