Owlet Cares is our advocacy initiative that is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of babies and parents. One way we do this is by partnering with nonprofits all over the world who share our mission. These groups participate in our 3:1 match program. When they purchase one Owlet product, we match it with two, meaning three families are reached.
Each month, we shine a spotlight on one of our foundation partners and the important work they are doing. This month, we’d like to introduce you to Melissa West, co-founder of the Briggs & Barrett Project - an organization dedicated to raising awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUIDS).
After the loss of her son Briggs to SIDS, Melissa wrote the children’s book, “When Baby Sleeps”, which lovingly and gently tells the story of how baby animals sleep while educating parents and siblings on the importance of safe sleep for Baby.
In her words, here is her family’s story.
By: Melissa West
I truly believe that we all have a purpose here on earth but never in a million years did I ever think this would be mine.
It’s hard to believe that Briggs left my arms here on earth six years ago. He was almost three months old and a healthy, little baby boy. Then came the call I received that still haunts me today: "Briggs is not breathing."
Briggs died unexpectedly at daycare. He died of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) associated with Prone Positioning.
After he passed, I never wanted anybody to experience what our family was going through. That is when I co-founded a non-profit named after my sweet boy and another life lost too soon, Briggs & Barrett Project.
In memory of Briggs and Barrett, our unwavering mission is to carry the torch of SIDS awareness. Through education, empowerment, and embracing families affected by this silent tragedy, we strive to light a path towards peace of mind and hope.
Shortly after forming the nonprofit, I kept thinking, “I need to think of a creative way I can educate families about safe sleep outside of the flyers you receive when being discharged from the hospital.” I wanted this information to resonate and to help families avoid the pain that my family experienced. That is when I reached out to my amazingly talented cousin, a professional illustrator, and shared my idea - let’s write a children’s book about safe sleep. Together with her friend, author Ann Ingalls, we published “When Baby Sleeps.”
‘When Baby Sleeps’ was illustrated and written in a creative way to educate families. Throughout the easy-to-read children’s hardcover book, the pages show different ways animals sleep and ends with my baby Briggs and how a human baby should be placed to sleep safely.
We are beyond grateful for hospitals and partner organizations who have sent thousands of families home from the hospital with this book.
Mostly, we are thankful for donors who helped make this happen, and for everyone who has helped us share the importance of safe sleep. This work allows me to continue to share the story of my sweet baby Briggs and it has become my purpose.
Through Briggs & Barrett Project’s partnership with Owlet, we have donated almost 4,000 Owlet devices to families over the years. Now, we will be able to spread even more awareness about the importance of safe sleep thanks to them sharing our book during Baby Safety Week.
It is through this work that I have found my purpose and it’s an honor knowing that so many more families will not only hear Briggs’ story but learn critical information about safe sleep, too.
In Loving Memory of Briggs Owen West
11/7/17 – 1/18/18
The quotes, stories, and experiences included here are those of the individuals and are not representative of Owlet's views or claims about our product. Individuals were not paid and did not submit their information as part of any paid promotion by Owlet.
The content provided on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have and to learn more about your child's specific needs.
Dream Sock® is intended to track babies’ heart rate and oxygen level and keep parents informed. BabySat™ is a prescription-only device. Dream Sock and BabySat are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or other condition, including but not limited to, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and/or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Medical decisions should never be made solely using Dream Duo and Dream Sock data. BabySat (prescription-only), Dream Duo and Dream Sock should not substitute for the care and oversight of an adult or consultation with medical professionals.
