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. Those who openly grieve often heal much faster than those who repress or avoid their feelings. You are not alone. There are support groups and counseling programs available to help you cope with your loss. For further information, you should 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 (800) 732-3812
    
    
  • First Candle (SIDS Alliance)
    1314 Bedford Avenue, Suite 210
    Baltimore, MD 21208
    (800) 221-7437 or (410) 653-8226
    
    
  • 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
    (800) 370-2943
    (301) 496-7101 fax