Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) Hemonga ohorere o te pēpi
When a pēpi (baby) under one year old dies suddenly for no obvious reason, it is called a sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). When there is a SUDI, there will be an investigation to try to find the cause of death. There are things parents and whānau can do to reduce the risk of SUDI.
Causes of SUDI
The cause of some sudden deaths may be found after an investigation, such a post-mortem examination. Possible causes might include:
- an infection
- a genetic condition
- being suffocated by bedding, or accidentally smothered by someone who is co-sleeping with pepi.
If the death of a pēpi remains unexplained, even after a post-mortem, it may be called sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Pēpi at risk of SUDI
SUDI is a leading cause of preventable death in New Zealand pēpi.
The main known risk factors for SUDI are:
- smoking during pregnancy and around your pēpi
- putting your pēpi to sleep on their front or side
- sharing a bed with your pēpi, especially if you are smoking, using alcohol or recreational drugs, or are over-tired.
There are safe sleeping guidelines that parents can follow to reduce the risk of SUDI.
Safe sleep for your baby — KidsHealthInvestigating the cause of a SUDI
If a pēpi has died suddenly and unexpectedly, the police will need to be involved. They will offer Victim Support, even though there is no crime.
Several people will look into what has happened, including:
- the police
- the coroner (a specialist lawyer who investigates how people died)
- the SUDI liaison team.
The SUDI liaison team will gather information on the death of the pēpi including:
- visiting the home and speaking to parents and caregivers about the circumstances of the death
- carefully reviewing the baby's medical history and the health of the parents
- completing a post-mortem where the baby's body is examined.
Getting help after a pēpi dies
Having a pēpi die is a devastating time for a whānau. Support from others can help you and your whānau get through this very difficult time.
Your healthcare provider or midwife can provide support.
You may find you have problems with depression, including post-natal depression, and anxiety. If you would like to get counselling, you can approach a counsellor yourself or ask your healthcare provider to help you find one.
Find a counsellor — Talking Worksexternal link
Sands New Zealand is a support network for families who have experienced the death of a pēpi. Sands can provide support by phone, email, Facebook groups and local support meetings.
Sands New Zealandexternal link
Skylight provides support for tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau who are experiencing any kind of grief or loss.
Financial support
There are several ways to get financial support after SUDI has affected your whānau.
Financial information — Whetūrangitiaexternal link
You may be entitled to:
- Bereavement leave, if you are employed
- Paid Parental Leave, if you meet criteria
Paid Parental Leaveexternal link - Best Start Payments, if you meet criteria
Best Startexternal link - Work and Income NZ Funeral Grant, which may cover funeral expenses or travel to a funeral or tangi
Funeral Grant — Work and Incomeexternal link - Compassionate airfares if you need to travel.
Air NZ compassionate airfaresexternal link
More information
You can find out more about the coronial process after a SUDI and find legal and financial information on the New Zealand Government Whetūrangitia website.