Forensic Pathology for Police - Brainshare Public Online Library

Natural Death in Childhood 513
pathologists, and others. It should be noted that there are two basic populations who
participate in infant bed-sharing.
Bed-sharing with an infant is particularly common amongst mothers who are
breastfeeding (Disc Image 20.7). Generally, within this population, bed-sharing can
be accomplished in a very safe manner, and many argue that the benefits can far
outweigh the risks. In addition, many of the risks can be minimized by using various
specially-created products (firm, angled pillows to place between parent and infant)
and by using common-sense (using a very firm mattress, avoiding abundant bedding,
remaining cognizant of the fact that the infant is in the bed with the parent, etc.).
Breastfeeding mothers tend to be very “in tune” with their infants, and the bonding
and other benefits of breastfeeding can be extremely worthwhile for both mother and
child. While the risk of overlay, wedging, and other forms of accidental asphyxia
are not totally excluded in this population, they are very much reduced compared to
the second population of mothers who bed-share with their infants. If breastfeeding
parents are over-tired (more than usual) or under the influence of medication or
drugs, it is advisable to avoid bed-sharing. Obese parents may also consider avoiding
this type of sleeping arrangement.
The other population of mothers who bed-share with their infants are typically
not breast-feeding, and they frequently bed-share because it is simply easier for
them to bring the infant to bed with them than to place their infant safely in a crib.
Some within this population do not even own a crib, but for those who do, it remains
easier for them to bring the infant into bed with them (and anyone else who happens
to be there). Various subsets of these individuals may have additional risk factors,
such as frequently being intoxicated, being over-tired, being obese, or being in the
habit of having other children or adults in bed with them. Each of these factors
can substantially increase the risk of accidental infant asphyxia. For this reason,
it is generally not advisable for non-breastfeeding mothers to bed-share with their
infants.
Natural Death in Childhood
Numerous childhood natural diseases are known to be able to cause death. It is
beyond the scope of this text to provide a detailed discussion of all of these entities.
A general synopsis of some diseases will be provided.
Children are considered somewhat resistant to many adult disease types, including
many diseases that are considered diseases related to aging. Unfortunately,
children are not immune from cancer. The cancer types are different than many
adult cancer types, but virtually every organ system of the body can be affected by a
childhood cancer. The most frequent types of cancer are leukemias (blood cancers),
brain (central nervous system) cancers, bone cancers, and endocrine cancers. Certain
cancers, while not particularly common, are classically described in children. Some
of these include Wilm’s tumor (kidney), hepatoblastoma (liver), and retinoblastoma
(eye).