This presentation explores Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), and safe sleep practices. Using current research and public health data, we will define key terms, examine the mechanisms behind sleep-related infant deaths, and review how national guidelines and campaigns have shaped our understanding and prevention efforts. We will take a closer look at the rates of infant death in the U.S. due to unsafe sleep, and place these within broader national and global trends. Participants will learn about the common risk factors, such as infant age, sleep position, caregiver behaviors, and environmental hazards, and the social and cultural barriers that continue to challenge safe sleep education and practice. The presentation also highlights how healthcare professionals and educators can effectively communicate safe sleep messages to families and caregivers. Practical strategies for addressing myths, building trust, and adapting communication to meet diverse needs will be discussed. Finally, we will explore evidence-based safe sleep initiatives internationally.

Objectives:

• Define SIDS, SUIDS, related terms and mechanisms of injury.
• Review factors associated with mortality and barriers to safe sleep.
• Describe ways to effectively communicate SIDS risk reduction messages to parents and caregivers.

PRESENTER

Dr. Sandra Shapiro is an Assistant Professor at the Brooks College of Health School of Nursing at the University of North Florida, a board-certified Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), and a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She has over a decade of experience working as an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner in pediatric forensics at the University of Florida Child Protection Team assisting law enforcement and the Department of Children and Families with their investigations of child maltreatment, testifying in both criminal and family court as an expert witness. Shapiro's passion lies in advocating for vulnerable children and empowering future healthcare professionals to do the same. Her research agenda is focused on child maltreatment, community nursing, and nursing leadership. When not working, she enjoys the theme of working through chaos: playing mahjong, creating collage art, reorganizing environments, and just being with her family.

Enduring Modules - This module originated on 05/13/202026 and will remain available for CE credit through 06/30/2028

Criteria for Successful Completion:

Live attendees must join the zoom link via the LMS site, be logged in for a minimum of 90% of the session, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded. 

Recordings of the live session will be made available within one week of the live date. 

Asynchronous attendees must utilize the LMS to obtain resource information (if available), view 100% of recording(s), complete all modules, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded.

No relevant financial relationships exist for any individuals in a position to control content of this educational activity.

NOTE:

The Academy of Forensic Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.