Support Groups and Counseling

Losing a child is a unique crisis for any family, especially when the child has died suddenly, unexpectedly, and for no apparent reason.

• Do not blame yourselves! Losing a child to SIDS is not your fault.



• There are no signs or symptoms that you could have recognized and prevented.



• Grieving is a normal process when dealing with the loss of a loved one. Family, friends, neighbors, workplace, or faith communities may all serve as sources of support. It is important to remember that you are not alone. There are formal support groups and counseling programs available to help you cope with your loss. For further information, you may contact these groups:



• Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs (a national network of SIDS support groups)



• Minnesota Sudden Infant Death Center
  2525 Chicago Avenue South
  Minneapolis, MN 55404
  612-813-6285
  1-800-732-3812
  
  
• Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota



• First Candle (SIDS Alliance)
  1314 Bedford Avenue, Suite 210
  Baltimore, MD 21208
  410-653-8226
  1-800-221-7437
  
  
• National SIDS Resource Center
  2070 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 450
  Vienna, VA 22182
  703-821-8955
  
  
• National Institute of Child Health & Human Development NICHD/Back to Sleep Campaign
  31 Center Drive, Room 2A32
  Bethesda, MD 20892-2425
  1-800-370-2943
  301-496-7101 fax