Otumoetai Rotary help Pepi Pod Programme

However, Raewyn found most of those babies were in unsafe sleeping environments. Pillows were a large factor and most of those babies had mothers who had their first baby when they were a teen Mum. 

 

Smoke exposed babies - it’s really important we help Mums to understand just how harmful smoking is to the unborn baby. It takes oxygen away from the unborn baby and it replaces it with toxins, specifically carbon monoxide. The baby has not had it’s full quota of oxygen - it has been born with a deficit and has a weakened desire to breathe.

 

Smoke exposed babies won’t alert if they are in danger eg. If they fall into a gap in-between matresses. Little babies can’t breathe through their mouth so if their noses are covered or pinched they have no alternative. 

The SUDI rate has declined over time. Protective factors have been identified; sleeping on their back, breast feeding, a smokefree environment, having then close by, having a clear face and having their own space have all been defined as principles of protection.
Parents are encouraged to never put anything behind a baby’s head. 

The Pepi-Pod Programme was being developed when the Christchurch Earthquake struck. As a result of the earthquake babies had their sleping environment displaced. This increased the risk to babies and so the programme was sped up. It’s a protable sleep place and an education programme. It enables the parent and the baby to stay close but have their own space. The most vulnerable babies are targeted eg. Smoke exposed, premature, low weight and those who live in an environment where smoking, alcohol and drug taking are prevalent. Transient families are also a risk factor.

It’s an exchange that people are asking for - the pod comes with education in that it teaches people about safe sleeping for their babies. The Mums are then asked to tell all their networks about safe sleeping and how to keep their babaies safe. This is having a positive impact in that people are spreading this message far and wide. 

The rate of SUDI has come down dramatically. There is still a disparity between Māori and non-Māori. Every sleep needs to be a safe sleep for babies. Safe sleep space + safe care = Best protection for sleeping babies - together we will make a difference.
President John presented Raewyn with a cheque for $4600 for the Pepi-Pod programme. This money was raised with the assistance of a Rotary District Grant.