Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center Joins Missouri in Recognizing Safe Sleep Month
10/14/2025
POPLAR BLUFF, MO – Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center (PBRMC) joins the state of Missouri in recognizing October 2025 as Safe Sleep Month. PBRMC is calling on all parents, caregivers, and communities to help reduce infant sleep-related deaths by promoting the "ABCs of Safe Sleep." This initiative raises awareness about the simple, life-saving practices that can protect Missouri’s infants.
Sleep-related infant death is the leading cause of infant mortality for babies between one month and one year of age. According to the most recent Missouri annual report from 2022 found 103 sleep-related infant suffocation deaths were found and 64% were from sleeping in an adult bed.
While Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) accounts for some of these deaths, many are due to accidental suffocation and strangulation, which are largely preventable.
"The goal of Safe Sleep Month is to equip every adult who cares for a baby with the knowledge they need to create a safe sleep environment," said Donna Hill, R.N. "By following the ABCs of Safe Sleep, we can work together to ensure all Missouri infants have the best start in life."
The ABCs of Safe Sleep
- A - Alone: Babies should always sleep alone in their own safe sleep space, such as a crib or bassinet, and not in an adult bed or with other people.
- B - Back: Always place babies on their back to sleep—for naps and at night. This position does not increase the risk of choking.
- C - Crib: Use a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a tightly fitted sheet. The sleep space should be free of all items, including blankets, pillows, bumpers, and toys.
PBRMC’s Women’s and Children’s Services share resources and information on safe sleep practices with patients before discharge and encourage community partners to spread this vital message. Together, we can reduce the tragic and preventable loss of infants in Missouri.
For more information on safe sleep, contact the Women’s and Children’s Department at 573- 776-9589 or visit www.pbrmc.com/womens-health.
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