As a student nurse extern in a NICU, I experienced what it feels like to care for vulnerable infants without any prior experience. Of course I had completed the classes and necessary clinical requirements to work as an extern, but nothing could fully prepare me for handling such small babies with confidence and ease. In the beginning of my externship I depended heavily on my precepting nurse for guidance, but over time I became more and more comfortable with my patients. This feeling of uncertainty is very similar to that of a new parent. When you take your infant home for the first time, you will often be unsure of many aspects of your baby’s health and the care you are providing. This is normal, and it is important to always ask for assistance and be prepared for emergency situations in order to ensure your baby’s safety.

As an extern I learned skills related to infant care and I felt more and more confident everyday, but it takes practice and repetition to remember something and be able to use it in an emergency situation. With this in mind, it is very important to not only complete CPR training and educate yourself on other aspects of infant safety, but to review the skills you learn throughout the course of your child’s life. Without reviewing literature and practicing skills, you are likely to lose the skills and become unfamiliar with knowledge you once had. A great way to stay on top of your skills is to buy Geraldine’s video, Saving Baby’s Life…When Every Second Counts, and watch it every few months or as often as you feel is necessary.  Stay up to date with the recommendations health care professionals are making based on various research studies, and never be afraid to ask questions. As a parent you know what is best for your baby, but often special training is required. If you are always prepared and you stay on top of the skills you learn, you will be ready for anything that may come your way throughout your infant’s life.

The Federal Government declared the first week of June “National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrilator (AED) Awareness Week.” This is a great time to schedule an Infant and child CPR class. It may be the most important class you’ll ever take. You only have minutes to act. You owe it to your child to know what to do.

I know we’re all very busy and you’ve put scheduling this on the back burner. Make it your goal to take a class this June.

My friend Lisa, also  an RN saved her son’s friend a few weeks ago. He was sitting watching TV in her home when suddenly he became unresponsive. She started CPR and continued until medical help arrived. They used the AED (Automated External Defibrilator) and saved his life. Had he not received prompt and effective CPR he might not be alive today.

www.babyzoneandbeyond.com

A mother’s love determines how
We love ourselves and others.
There is no sky we’ll ever see
Not lit by that first love.

Stripped of love, the universe
Would drive us mad with pain;
But we are born into a world
That greets our cries with joy.

How much I owe you for the kiss
That told me who I was!
The greatest gift–a love of life–
Lay laughing in your eyes.

Because of you my world still has
The soft grace of your smile;
And every wind of fortune bears
The scent of your caress.

This week a friend brought the Eric Stavros Alder article to my attention. This is the story of a healthy, happy, fun-loving four-year-old boy that is until February 27, 2001. On that day Eric choked on a hot dog and died within six minutes.

An unimaginable nightmare for a parent. As I sit here at my computer I’m looking at a photograph of my son, now fourteen. I can’t imagine how I’d go forward if it happened to me. His mother wants to help Americans understand that food asphyxiation is not a freak accident. It is the fourth-leading cause of death in children under the age of five. During the course of the work week, at least one child will die after choking on common foods such as hot dogs, peanuts, grapes, and popcorn. These foods are very effective at cutting off a young child’s oxygen supply.

In 2003 she noted that there are no universal warnings of the risks presented by the foods mentioned above. She also knew that clear and simple labeling standards for food manufacturers..along the lines of the standards already in place for toy manufactures  can prevent many of the horrible deaths such as the one suffered by Eric and dozens of other children every year.

Nine years after her son’s death some food makers including Oscar Mayer have warning labels about choking but not nearly enough says Joan Stavros Adler, Eric’s mom.

The American Academy of Pediatrics agrees. They are calling for sweeping changes in the way food is designed and labeled to minimize children’s chances for choking.

Dr. Gary Smith, director of the Center for Injury Research & Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio is lead author of a new policy report from the Pediatrics academy that seeks to make choking prevention a priority for government and food makers. The report was released Monday in the journal Pediatrics.

Will warning labels on foods reduce the risk for choking in young children? I sure hope so. The American Academy also urges all parents to be prepared for emergencies and get CPR training. Because, sometimes despite our best precautions accidents do happen.

My hope today is that no other parent has to endure the unbearable pain that Eric’s mother lives with every day. Please pass the message to anyone you know taking care of young children, be constantly vigilant and prepared.