Port Charlotte baby's death highlights unsafe sleep dangers for newborns

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WINK)—WINK Investigates uncovered records showing what investigators believe happened in the death of an infant at a home in Port Charlotte.

The tragic death happened Sunday night at a home on Ionia Avenue. The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office says the death is not suspicious.

WINK Investigates learned from a preliminary review listed on DCF's Child Fatality Prevention website that the three-week-old infant was found unresponsive when the mother fell asleep while feeding the baby sitting up in a chair. The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office says the death is not suspicious.

In April, WINK Investigates reported on the dangers of unsafe sleep practices leading to a spike in infant deaths. Parents being overwhelmed and exhausted was a common reason.

Amanda Brunson, associate executive director with the Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest Florida, spoke about the importance of support for new mothers.

"I just think if everyone could help a mom provide support. It doesn't always come in the place you expect it, but just reaching out to a friend, a family member and just saying, Hey, are you okay? Are you overwhelmed? Because a lot of this does come from exhaustion," Brunson said. "We all know that having a new baby is some of the hardest time of your life, and so having that support. So I just encourage anybody that knows somebody that has a newborn reach out. Just make sure they're okay. Even you spending an hour with them can make a huge difference."

A recent report from DCF says sleep-related infant deaths are the leading cause of preventable child deaths in Florida.

Anyone in need of support or wanting to learn more can reach out to the Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest Florida