UHNM launch Infant CPR and Safe Sleep Guide

Expectant mums at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) will now receive potentially life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and safe sleep guidance as part of a new campaign. 

Guidance leaflets will now be given to parents and carers attending antennal appointments at UHNM to help families feel more confident in responding to emergencies and educate about safer sleep environments for infants. 

Developed in partnership with Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) and launched to coincide with World Patient Safety Day, the guidance explains how to correctly assess a baby’s response and begin CPR in an emergency and safe sleep practices.  

Sarah Jamieson, director of midwifery at UHNM, said: “Providing families with clear, practical information is central to safe maternity care. This new guide gives parents and carers the confidence to act in an emergency and the reassurance of knowing how to create a safe sleep environment for their baby. By working together with our partners across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, we can help prevent avoidable tragedies and give every child the safest possible start in life.” 

In the UK, around 200 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly every year with most deaths happening during the first 6 months of a baby’s life. Infants born prematurely or with a low birthweight are at greater risk. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) usually occurs when a baby is asleep, although it can occasionally happen while they’re awake.

Information in this guidance is supported by the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) and has been developed in support of Rowan’s Rule, a campaign launched by a family whose baby boy tragically stopped breathing at home.