tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49094037920884822702024-03-05T09:54:47.767+00:00Justice for Preston Preston grew his angel wings on 11th September 2013, we made a promise to him then that safe sleep for all babies would become a reality, and cot bumpers would take no more lives. This is our journey, this is us keeping our promise, this is us keeping Preston's flame alive. Justice for Prestonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11802188375579806691noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4909403792088482270.post-29109111589341448712014-10-03T12:46:00.001+01:002014-10-03T12:46:13.356+01:00Dr. Google Doesn't Always Get it Right! <span class="userContent">Do you rely on 'Dr Google' for advice about your baby?<br /> <br />
It's something many mums do and there is no doubt that the internet has
become a fantastic resource for information and building connections
and support networks with others going thro<span class="text_exposed_show">ugh the same as you, but it brings with it a danger too.<br /> <br />
How reliable is the advice you're getting? How can you tell if what you
are being told is correct, or putting your baby in more danger?<br /> <br />
We've seen it ourselves over and over again on the issue of bumpers;
web pages and blogs recommending them as a way to get more sleep, forums
full of mums saying 'it's all scaremongering, bumpers are fine',
facebook pages giving out misleading information by recommending
alternative types of bumpers without pointing out the associated risks,
or mis-quoting the correct advice.<br /> <br /> October is Pregnancy and
Infant Loss Awareness Month so there has been a real influx of 'advice'
appearing on line over the last couple of days and that is likely to
continue for the rest of the month. That should be something to
celebrate, any new advice reaching parents is great news right? Wrong!!
Some of you have drawn our attention to some very well meaning, but
ultimately inaccurate and dangerous advice that is circulating on
facebook and various blogs at the moment concerning everything from
bumpers to blind cords, from pregnancy problems to vaccinations, from
safe sleep to SIDS.<br /> <br /> Please be aware that not everything you
read on the internet is correct. The majority of these pages are simply
misguided rather than malicious, but incorrect information can have
disastrous consequences, regardless of intent.<br /> <br /> A study
published in 2012 by Matthew Chung, BSc, Rosalind P. Oden, Brandi L.
Joyner, MSA, Alexandra Sims, BA and Rachel Y. Moon, MD found that
overall, only 43.5% of the 1300 web pages looked at for the study
provided accurate information. <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jpeds.com%2Farticle%2FS0022-3476%252812%252900628-2%2Ffulltext%23tbl1&h=hAQFUusR3&enc=AZOnoNp9DkUO3_6kDdegjEqhu6h0IBZZXlR0TCjctkaX05OW5P68vuuof55zfrsGH1tsZM9hGafKzg-2HI8x9JiOjuBTGaTgMaBBaScdR_DEmdS4HkwLF-_yNW2vSHEW6I8btGWqoXZ7f01_-gpRMUDS&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476%2812%2900628-2/fulltext#tbl1</a> <br />
With a survey in 2010 showing that almost 70% of adults reported that
information found online has affected their health decisions or actions
this is particularly worrying.<br /> <br /> The study 'Safe Infant Sleep
Recommendations on the Internet: Let's Google It' found the key phrases
associated with the highest percentage of Web sites with accurate
information were “infant cigarette smoking” (82% accurate), “infant
sleep position” (74% accurate), and “infant sleep surface” (73%
accurate). For each of the other 10 key phrase searches, less than 58%
of the Web sites (range, 14%-58%) contained accurate information. The
key phrases yielding the highest percentage of Web sites with inaccurate
information were “pacifier infant” (14% accurate), “infant home
monitors” (18% accurate), and “infant co-sleeping” (20% accurate).<br /> <br /> They looked at 13 key elements relating to safe sleep<br /> <br /> Sleep position- Back position only for all periods of sleep.<br /> Side sleeping is not advised. <br /> Sleep surface-Infant sleep surface Infants should sleep on a firm sleep surface.<br /> No soft materials or objects- (ie, pillows, quilts, comforters) should be placed under infant.<br /> A firm crib mattress, covered by a fitted sheet, is the only recommended sleeping surface.<br /> Bedding- safe infant bedding No soft objects or loose bedding should be on or in bed.<br /> Bumper pads should not be used.<br /> Smoking- No smoking during pregnancy. Infant should not be exposed to second hand smoke. <br /> Room sharing- The risk of SIDS is decreased if the infant sleeps in the same room as the parent. <br />
Pacifier- Pacifiers have been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. For
breast-fed infant, delay until 1 month to ensure that breast-feeding is
established. <br /> Overheating- Infants should be lightly clothed for
sleep. Infants should be dressed similar to how parent/guardian is
dressed. Overbundling should be avoided; infant should not be hot to the
touch. <br /> Infant products SIDS products-Avoid products marketed to
reduce the risk of SIDS. Do not use home monitors as a risk reduction
method.<br /> Bed sharing- Infants should always sleep alone on own sleep surface.<br /> <br />
Keep in mind that the Internet has a lot of information that is
outdated or just plain wrong. As a parent, you need to evaluate health
information on the Internet, or anywhere else, with a sceptical and
informed eye. Look for facts, not just opinions. We all have opinions on
a subject and there is nothing wrong with expressing them, the problems
begin when those opinions are presented as facts rather than being
backed up with facts. Have they provided links to original sources? Have
they referenced experts?<br /> <br /> If something you read confuses you,
or doesn't seem right, ask your health care provider for more
information (although bear in mind they may not be completely up to date
either! -but that's another issue). Double check, cross reference. Ask
the admin of the site you are using, they should be able to give you
further details. If they can't be wary. They may not know as much as
they imply.<br /> <br /> Here at Justice for Preston we are not experts, we
have never claimed to be, but we are parents who are committed to safe
sleep for our babies. Our research is on going and we are learning all
the time. We will always pass that information on to you, because if the
information about the dangers of bumpers had been more widely known
Preston would still be here. We will always double check our information
and will provide our sources so you can read and study further if you
wish. Our aim is, and has always been to raise awareness of all issues
that could affect your babies safety, especially those connected to safe
sleep.</span></span>Justice for Prestonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11802188375579806691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4909403792088482270.post-44598345775747621982014-09-22T16:29:00.001+01:002014-09-22T16:29:41.606+01:00Angelversary and Petition Phew, it's been a very busy few weeks, and a roller coaster ride of emotions. We need a little time to catch our collective breath, but I thought I'd just drop by to let you know we got through the first anniversary of Preston's passing, difficult as it was, with a balloon release and quiet family BBQ. And we hit our 10K target on our petition!!! How wonderful is that?<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpl154bZHPtiw4Kwf2Og5TGsPIiU23FvkQeuagT9uxwobXsRHkF4-FaSAqtRQSzEdZ-Kc3xCKOVf8XHegtB6eRmXqhaEp6tgck7Hedu2oIvnE8zZysB0Z_MHVjBZbPb3SQe5hnrEK-HBuy/s1600/100_3442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpl154bZHPtiw4Kwf2Og5TGsPIiU23FvkQeuagT9uxwobXsRHkF4-FaSAqtRQSzEdZ-Kc3xCKOVf8XHegtB6eRmXqhaEp6tgck7Hedu2oIvnE8zZysB0Z_MHVjBZbPb3SQe5hnrEK-HBuy/s1600/100_3442.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justice for Preston Angelversary Balloon Release</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4sAKyNEkiVZ0z_pX7S3k8t5s5flj8pXoHTlDM2hPR3m_8KGk1ZnojSwbYTjCnB2ebFMhdrB28Q0pbJG86HgtRgcQi1fNay2qiVmTVPakbcYf2a8xVxDDQmPxCAs-BtWyBeeDlsbgqx4s/s1600/images+therm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4sAKyNEkiVZ0z_pX7S3k8t5s5flj8pXoHTlDM2hPR3m_8KGk1ZnojSwbYTjCnB2ebFMhdrB28Q0pbJG86HgtRgcQi1fNay2qiVmTVPakbcYf2a8xVxDDQmPxCAs-BtWyBeeDlsbgqx4s/s1600/images+therm.jpg" height="320" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did it!!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Justice for Prestonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11802188375579806691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4909403792088482270.post-29230364284017378522014-08-25T14:38:00.000+01:002014-08-25T14:38:31.766+01:00'My baby was fine' <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYhBzAdZIpnKIQiT8Terq1NVCqLoAkmt1w9t8jy6ufqXVYbvVTBRtSbhDclCuwvPoR6Z88N7ADryWGkL4vXwnZUj_1PyPLePGrgyel9MRoyTfeS2j9gAG4ViPIVbcsbofDV35Muyw7LJj/s1600/images+hjklvbn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYhBzAdZIpnKIQiT8Terq1NVCqLoAkmt1w9t8jy6ufqXVYbvVTBRtSbhDclCuwvPoR6Z88N7ADryWGkL4vXwnZUj_1PyPLePGrgyel9MRoyTfeS2j9gAG4ViPIVbcsbofDV35Muyw7LJj/s1600/images+hjklvbn.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">This
has to be the reason for cot bumper use that we hate most 'Well, I've
used them with all my kids and they are all fine' or 'My mum used
bumpers with me and I'm still here'. <br /> It's a tactless and insensitive thing to say to a family in grief, but it's also a deeply flawed assumption. <br /> <br /> Preston's mum used cot bumpers with her older children. They were fine. Two out of three times she was lucky. <span class="text_exposed_show">In
fact, as Preston passed away when he was nine months and eight days
old, right up until nine months seven days Lisa could have said 'I've
always used bumpers and mine are fine'. <br /> <br /> Tragedy has a nasty
habit of striking without warning. It can happen to anyone, at any time.
Just because you've been ok so far doesn't give you an immunity. <br /> <br />
Many parents use cot bumpers. They buy them because they believe they
need them, or because they look nice and make the cot look cosy, but
just because it's what has been done for years doesn't mean it has to
continue. Common sense says we alter our habits in line with the latest
safety advice. <br /> <br /> They used to say lay babies to sleep on their stomachs. <br /> Would you do that today? <br /> <br />
Babies used to travel in cars without car seats, either held on an
adult's lap or laying in a carry cot that may, or may not, have been
strapped in place. Would you dream of doing that now? <br /> <br /> Millions
of babies slept on their stomachs and were fine but now we know it
increases the risk of SIDS so we don't do it any more. We lay our babies
on their backs to sleep because it is the safest thing to do. <br /> <br />
Countless children travelled in cars without car seats, or even seat
belts, and are still here to tell the tale. Myself included. Some of my
own children, including Preston's Daddy, travelled as babies without car
seats. Today that would be thought of as outrageous, but then it was
generally accepted. <br /> <br /> Safety advice improves. Opinions change because of it. <br /> <br />
It's time for opinions on cot bumpers to change too. Babies have been
dying for years because of them. The health authorities have been aware
of this but the limited advice available hasn't been reaching parents.
Manufacturers are aware of the deaths but they still continue to make
them because profit comes first. <br /> <br /> Cot bumpers have caused
deaths through suffocation, strangulation, over heating, and rebreathing
of Co2. Don't let your child become one of those statistics. <br /> <br />
The law on infant car seats was changed because some babies tragically
died in accidents. Most were fine but the law was changed to protect
them all because no one knew which car would be in an accident and which
wouldn't. It's the same with cot bumpers. Most babies will be fine, but
you have no way of knowing when you lay your little one in his cot if
tonight will be the night your world falls apart. <br /> <br /> If this has
helped you change your mind about using cot bumpers please sign
Preston's petition. Lets take a stand and change the law on cot bumpers
too. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/54991" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>epetitions.direct.gov.uk/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>petitions/54991</a></span></span></span>Justice for Prestonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11802188375579806691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4909403792088482270.post-15478794649586021222014-08-16T21:35:00.000+01:002014-08-16T21:35:15.610+01:00Safe Sleep Awards - Preston's Safe Sleep Super Stars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTRqZHv3a-JLAUoGL6V-mrA7nnnB3knCJ3io-3oeIyohdu9-8_N0TcEz_AseQ0wgNV0BbK6mGYgfctHh7HC8I_KXB2563vZgNNhSKo_b2coTHim2bHDlRMmEysTddh3s0qM7P8lcStyej/s1600/CO69965_13+park+STEVE+ARGENT+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTRqZHv3a-JLAUoGL6V-mrA7nnnB3knCJ3io-3oeIyohdu9-8_N0TcEz_AseQ0wgNV0BbK6mGYgfctHh7HC8I_KXB2563vZgNNhSKo_b2coTHim2bHDlRMmEysTddh3s0qM7P8lcStyej/s1600/CO69965_13+park+STEVE+ARGENT+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="271" /></a></div>
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<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_53efbdb4c01141243148362">
<br />
Through eleven
months of campaigning for safe sleep and working hard every day to raise
awareness on the dangers of cot bumpers, we have realised how few
parents know the risks of having a cluttered cot. We have seen reputable
companies insist on selling bumpers because 'parents wan<span class="text_exposed_show">t
them' despite keeping those same parents in the dark about the true
risks; and popular magazines and businesses which rely on parents and
babies, persist in using unsafe images to promote their products. <br /> <br />
It is rare we see a company take a stand for safe sleep by using only
pictures of safe environments and practices in their advertising and on
their website. We think those that do deserve recognition. We think they
deserve applause. <br /> We think they are Safe Sleep Super Stars. <br /> <br />
If you know of a company that only uses safe images, or has dropped
bumpers from their range (we live in hope), you can nominate them for
our safe sleep award by messaging us on our facebook page, starting your message with SAFE
SLEEP SUPER STAR, or leave a comment on this post. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/54991" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>epetitions.direct.gov.uk/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>petitions/54991</a></span></div>
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Justice for Prestonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11802188375579806691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4909403792088482270.post-9310893571605713652014-08-14T18:11:00.001+01:002014-08-14T18:11:22.466+01:00Why Justice for Preston? <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"></span></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_53ececd94f3e88e92259119">
Why Justice for Preston?<br /> Preston and his family were let down by the system.<br /> <br />
They were let down by an NHS which openly says on its website that 'Cot
bumpers are not recommended because babies can overheat or get tangled
in the fastenings.' (if you know where to look -it isn't with the
SIDS/safe sleep advice) and yet doesn't inform many of its health
visitors, doctors and midwives of this or train<span class="text_exposed_show"> them to pass this message on.<br /> <br />
They were let down by their local health authority. Preston's health
visitor had seen his bumper only weeks before he died but didn't
recognise the danger.<br /> <br /> They were let down by the government, in
particular the Department of Health, who are well aware of the existing
research done by other countries to show that cot bumpers can, and do,
take lives but they have never run a 'Bare is Best' campaign to make
British parents aware of the dangers.<br /> <br /> They were let down by the
manufacturers who continue to make, and the stores who continue to
sell, cot bumpers for profit knowing they are a risk to life. They were
doubly let down by the insistence of these companies to promote bumpers,
not just as decoration but as a safety item when they know the opposite
is true.<br /> <br /> Justice for Preston is not just a campaign title.<br /> Justice for Preston is what he, and his family, deserve.<br /> <br /> Help us get Justice for Preston by signing the petition. Give him a voice and help babies in the future. <br /> <a href="http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/54991" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>epetitions.direct.gov.uk/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>petitions/54991</a></span></div>
Justice for Prestonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11802188375579806691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4909403792088482270.post-51233840561274917802014-08-13T07:30:00.000+01:002014-08-13T07:30:00.783+01:00WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT COT BUMPERS?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ogFxd5U6LZQSb2lMK6YCER77Kpm96lmxWcuDQOewPzxGSA7qzvzHDyuMy-rxE-BPpdwYgHj6hdqUB-Q6608snMiqv-pYkn6Fbd3vNcCtwJRtJESca7c5pATXnZTiLdqGJkgIUh99Jg07/s1600/10524735_921668321192622_5869578552408165342_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ogFxd5U6LZQSb2lMK6YCER77Kpm96lmxWcuDQOewPzxGSA7qzvzHDyuMy-rxE-BPpdwYgHj6hdqUB-Q6608snMiqv-pYkn6Fbd3vNcCtwJRtJESca7c5pATXnZTiLdqGJkgIUh99Jg07/s1600/10524735_921668321192622_5869578552408165342_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><br /> <br />
My name is Preston I grew my angel wings on 11/09/2013 aged nine months
8 days. The cot bumper was tied on correctly and knotted tightly but it
ripped off from the ties that remained on the cot still knotted.<br />
But daddy found me with it wrapped around my neck twice.<span class="text_exposed_show"> My passing was ruled as SUDS because although the coroner could prove the bumper was wrapped around my neck twice causing abrasions, he could not conclusively determine my cause of death. These facts below will tell you more about the dangers.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br />
I'm raising awareness through my mummy and daddys brave decision to
share my story and fight to get cot bumpers banned in the uk and have
done so since just one week after I became an angel. My grandma and a
friend are helping them too.<br /> <br /> **COT BUMPERS **<br /> ** the SHOCKING truth!!**<br /> We will keep sharing until everyone, right across the world, understands the risks. Every parent needs to know the dangers.<br /> <br />
Cot bumpers pose a risk of strangulation and suffocation. They can
cause overheating, a major contributor to cot death, and cut down the
circulation of oxygen in the cot. Heres the advice and evidence <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.parenting.com%2Farticle%2Fsids-prevention&h=8AQGbgIgd&enc=AZPd0l7AErmimGQP_lCVlFjdT2THEiYzlEcatUmz9YFmSVcW5X7WaCf6IivolUNymiEGOBj-biiTqJ5ZH8FrFay7NX7jWkDGHD6M5_3GvHffjLdNBL1846UXXq-wg5Yd-1rt8XNat-6nmHhtj-X0YMzx&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parenting.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>article/sids-prevention</a>. All questions should be answered here. READ and be informed.<br /> <br /> As well as a list detailing the 27 deaths mentioned in the AAP report we have this.<br />
We have been reluctant to post it as don't want to get accused of
upsetting/scaring people, although we think its something people ought
to see.<br /> <br /> It makes for very distressing reading, have a hanky ready<br /> <br /> ** If you are convinced enough not to use a bumper then you might not need to look.**<br />
Anyone who is still using a bumper I advise you do read. Then you know
why we have to get them banned . If someone had been brave enough to
share this then many babies would be here still. Here is a list of
deaths by cot bumpers the ages of the babies and how it happened.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jpeds.com%2Farticle%2FS0022-3476%2807%2900363-0%2Ffulltext%23tbl1&h=zAQE7U58R&enc=AZO-v_GN4GvdEMk33zlRNG32jR-lQbs51nt58w1XsdoLHacEM6ItRV_M-SMz47LvagvXTjxlCgCuxls2PuTe4psfPgTiiC7Z0_IqQugZF0BAMoExbRUSRxvPgZdZsZeyydSLRvJ5rHJvwNY-Sq58y2cC&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.jpeds.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>article/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>S0022-3476(07)00363-0/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>fulltext#tbl1</a> <br /> Scroll down to results to see the list on the link above. <br /> <br />
Sign the petition as many times as you like with your multiple email
addresses.you must check your inbox after filling in your details and
click the link within the confirmation email else your name won't be
added.<br /> <br /> *Click this link and sign<br /> <a href="http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/54991" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>epetitions.direct.gov.uk/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>petitions/54991</a> *<br /> <br />
Lets make this Stop !! You can help us make our government listern and
help put lives before profit !!! America,Canada and Australia to name
just a few are making all aware or banning cot bumpers the UK as usual
are lagging behind. They stopped recording accidental deaths in 2002 so
gather no evidence. Instead it takes grieving parents to speak out and
warn all.<br /> <br /> My mummy and daddy were not informed by any authority
of the dangers of cot bumpers. They are raising awareness to all in
loving memory of Me<br /> Please help love Preston xxx</span></span></span>Justice for Prestonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11802188375579806691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4909403792088482270.post-11086115834580296962014-08-12T15:21:00.005+01:002014-08-12T15:24:02.475+01:00Preston's Story<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"></span></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_53ea1ff48c38e7675860332">
It
was march 2012 when I found out I was pregnant with Preston. I had
given birth 3 months earlier to Preston's sister so Preston was our <span class="text_exposed_show">surprise
baby even though I was worried about coping with 2 babies so close in
age there was no question that we were going to keep him. My pregnancy
was surprisingly easy and the whole 9 months passed in what seemed like a
blink of an eye. My due date 29th Nov came and went and 4 days later on
3rd Dec 2012 at 12pm came the contractions and 10 hours later at
10:03pm we welcomed Preston into the world. Like my pregnancy my labour
was easy too not needing any pain relief, we were both doing well and
were discharged that night. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">When we got home I couldn't stop looking at
him, he was perfect in every way and I was scared to sleep in case
anything happened to him. 2 days later he just wouldn't stop crying, I
didn't know what was wrong. I tried everything but nothing helped. It
then dawned on me that Preston was showing signs of colic, I didn't
know what to do my other children never had it so all I could do was buy
Dr browns bottles and buy all the colic medicines suitable for his age
and hope it helped, it didn't. Sometimes we would be awake for 3 days
straight, Preston only sleeping in the day and we couldn't sleep then
because Preston's sister was up. We eventually started sleeping in
shifts, I would sleep 9pm til 3am and Cuc 3am till 9am, it worked for
us. We kept taking Preston to the doctors trying to get them to help him
and eventually at 3 months old they prescribed him gaviscon and at 4
months old he was like a different baby, all smiles and only cried when
he was tired. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">The next 5 months were filled with so much happiness,
going out whenever we could and playing games and having time as a
family. Our house was filled with so much laughter. In June we moved out
of our little 1 bed flat that we were cramped in like sardines into a 3
bed house, it was a new start and Preston loved it, especially having
his own room. Preston loved a lot of things but more than anything he
loved his sleep always giving a big smile and a big wriggle to get comfy
when he was put in his cot and was asleep within seconds, he was a very
lazy baby. 3 months after we moved into our house 10th September 2013,
it was like any other day. I don't remember much, the shock of what was
to come messed my head up so much that a lot of my memories were wiped. I
remember running the virus protection on the computer then playing on
the floor with Preston, he became tired so we put him down for his nap
around 2:30pm while I put potatoes in the oven for his tea and prepared
the salad we would have with it. After an hour we went to get him up and
spent time playing games. 5:30pm we had our tea, it would take Preston
less than a minute to eat his favourite pudding, chocolate mousse but an
hour to eat his dinner. Half past 6 came and Preston started getting
upset so we knew he was tired so off to bed he went and that was the
start of events that would change our lives forever.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Around 3am I heard
Preston's toy car keys and a little moan and then silence, I thought he
had stirred and gone back to sleep which was normal for him so off we
went to sleep. The next day 11th September I remember being so annoyed
we had someone coming out so we had to stay in and I wanted to go out
and get some wallpaper. I went downstairs as normal, Cuc was up with
Mari, I hadn't heard him get up, I asked if Preston was up he said 'not
yet' and he went to get him. I sat on the sofa and heard the most
horrible moan, we have 2 dogs and I thought it was them messing around
so I told them to pack it in. Within an instant my heart dropped like
deep down I knew, so I shouted 'what?' no answer 'what?' again no answer
and I just ran up the stairs and found Cuc in Preston's door way cradling
him and crying. I asked if I needed to ring an ambulance and Cuc choked
'yes' I ran downstairs grabbed the phone and dialled 999 screaming
'please help me, my baby's dead' I knew he gone, as parents there's
something inside of us that just knows. After hours of screaming and
crying we went to the hospital to identify Preston and that's when Cuc
told me when he found Preston he had to unwrap his cot bumper from
around his neck twice, he hadn't told me straight away because he felt I
couldn't cope with it and he was right, I couldn't. 11th September is a
day i'll never forget, its the day my heart broke into a thousand pieces
and could never be fixed. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">We don't have a time of death so we don't know
if when we heard Preston's toy keys was when he died, we don't know a lot
of things but we do know this, this shouldn't be anybody's future.
Preston wasn't the first and he wont be the last if we don't share this
story so please share, it could save at least one family from this pain
and could save their child from having their life cut short by a useless
piece of fabric that does more harm than good. If we had known Preston
would still be here. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjzI_JowT5KkObE5lY5rcAl4SWZ3ApJpyOLeVX1jsbl4ksdBmzxT9PRMlYQGJBDhzq90NfFfCvIfrgcDMcQCKCUv8s7aPhQA13bMLq9YGy5EYXOkIQIQ1Eel0NRfpo4ACK9zV1CyBc7IK/s1600/10156164_307161856106454_7433529529990206787_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjzI_JowT5KkObE5lY5rcAl4SWZ3ApJpyOLeVX1jsbl4ksdBmzxT9PRMlYQGJBDhzq90NfFfCvIfrgcDMcQCKCUv8s7aPhQA13bMLq9YGy5EYXOkIQIQ1Eel0NRfpo4ACK9zV1CyBc7IK/s1600/10156164_307161856106454_7433529529990206787_n.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Lisa xx<br /> <br /> Ban cot bumpers sign here<br /> <a href="http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/54991" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>epetitions.direct.gov.uk/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>petitions/54991</a></span></div>
Justice for Prestonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11802188375579806691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4909403792088482270.post-37543826449869099242014-08-11T14:53:00.001+01:002014-08-11T14:53:14.188+01:00AngelversaryToday is Preston's 11 month Angelversary. It seems almost impossible to believe it has been eleven whole months since he left, since a cot bumper snatched his little life away as he slept, but it has. This seems as good a day as any to start this blog. Somewhere other than facebook to tell his story, somewhere new to talk of the importance of safe sleep.<br />
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Over the next few days we'll post up some of the more significant posts from Justice for Preston's facebook page, posts that explain why we loathe those awful bumpers and why we desperately want to get them off the shelves. Over the coming months we'll tell you more about ourselves, and Preston, and safe sleep. We'll share stories of other risks and tragedies in the hope that knowledge can prevent more deaths. We hope you'll share your stories with us too, because we really believe that together we can make a difference. Over the coming years we hope we'll be able to tell you of the progress we've made, and the changes made to the system, and of awareness campaigns (so sadly lacking in the UK) that are making babies safer.<br />
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Eleven long months Preston has been gone. Eleven months in which we haven't stopped talking and sharing, hoping and praying, working and fighting for change. Please sign Preston's petition if you can. It's open to all British citizens. <a href="http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/54991">http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/54991</a><br />
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Thank you. Justice for Prestonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11802188375579806691noreply@blogger.com0