Monitors for Waiouru babies

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 310, 24 October 1989, Page 1

Monitors for Waiouru babies

Community Midwife Libby Tuthill is at the forefront of fund-raising to secure two cot death monitors for Waiouru.

Known officially as Apnoea Monitors ('apnoea' meaning a temporary inability to breath), they cost $1700 each and can be bought through Phillips as 'Graseby' monitors. Delicate sensors attached to the diaphragm area can detect when a very young baby stops breathing, in which case a warning

alarm then activates to alert parents. Sensors alone cost $7 and have to be replaced as often as every third day. Mrs Tuthill is determined to secure two monitors for Waiouru and increase public awareness of how vital they are for the community. Up pntil now, new mothers have had to rely on monitors loaned from Wanganui Base Hospital, but there is concern at what would happen if all the hospital's monitors are in use while there is a need for one in Waiouru. There are two Waiouru women due this month who qualify for use of the monitors. Babies at-risk include those born prematurely, or babies that have had previous instances of apnoea. Parents who have had earlier losses due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (S.I.D.S) are also eligible. Monitors are used from birth until around six months - the "high risk" period for infants. Cot deaths may occur after this period, right TurnpageS

Babies' breathing monitors

From page 1 "This is more reason for Waiouru to have its own monitors," she said. "It would help to reassure new mothers that if they have a genuine need for one, there is one right on hand." Mrs Tuthill says the main thrust of fundraising will take place at the Desert Fair this March, while public pledges will be accepted right up until this time. In keeping with the object of the appeal, a half-day course on rescue breathing (C.P.R) will be held at the Community Health Rooms, tomorrow morning from 10am. The demonstration will be conducted by W.A.H.B Ambulance Officer, Terry Fisk. up until one year of age or after. Health experts have still to pinpoint exact causes for

S.I.D.S, although Mrs Tuthill said a cold climate has been associated with cot deaths.