Devastated mum issues warning to other parents about the dangers of breastfeeding in bed

A heartbroken mother has issued a warning to other parents after her son tragically passed away.

Kristin Hoffman, from Indianopolis, shared a picture of her baby son John to her Facebook page, explaining that he'd died after slipping off of her breast whilst she was feeding him in bed.

'WARNING: It greatly pains me and shames me that this happened but I have to ask you all to please share and spread the word,' she wrote in the accompanying post, which has since been shared almost 350 times.

'No matter how tired you are as a mother, GET UP AND GO TO A CHAIR or somewhere you wont fall asleep when you feed your child at night.'

Kristin added she now wanted to make other parents aware of the dangers so that no one else had to experience the same devastating situation.

'My precious son slipped off my breast and into the covers of my bed early Sunday morning and into heaven. The way we discovered him was a tragedy I don't want to hear happens go anyone else. John Thomas Michael Abernathy 4/10/17-6/4/17,' she concluded.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1923566844565820&set=a.1388564058066104.1073741829.100007375693459&type=3&theater

The grieving mum has received messages of condolences from many commenters, with one saying: 'I can't express the sympathy I have for you. May you find comfort in the rough days ahead and surround yourself with your loved ones. My deepest and warmest condolences go to you and your family.'

'Kristen my heart is so heavy for you, please know that this could have happened to any one EVERY mother has fallen asleep,' another empathised. 'Keep your head up and know that god needed your baby for something special.'

The Lullaby Trust advises that although breastfeeding reduces the chance of SIDS, and that there are ways that bedsharing can be performed safely, new parents should avoid bedsharing with their baby when they are particularly overtired, as this may actually increase the chances of SIDS, or accidents occurring.

'If you feel you might fall asleep because you are lying down, it might be worth trying to feed in a sitting position or step outside of bed to breastfeed,' they suggest.

'It is really important that you do not accidentally fall asleep with your baby on a sofa. If you think you might fall asleep, put the baby down in a safe place to sleep. If you are breastfeeding, have your partner stay up with you, breastfeed in a different position where you are confident you might not fall asleep, or feed the baby somewhere else.'