State of South Dakota's child: 2011.

Perinatal outcome data for 2010 reveal a continuation of the recent decline in total number of live births in South Dakota and an increase in the percent of low-birth-weight (LBW) newborns. This increase in LBW, apparent in both the very-low-birth-weight and mid-low birth-weight cohorts of newborns, contributed to an increase in the 2010 neonatal mortality rate. The post-neonatal mortality rate declined in 2010 and for the minority population reached its lowest-ever rate of 3.92. In 2010, the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) (0.59) in South Dakota also approached the rate (0.57) observed nationally. As data that describe each year's newest citizens of South Dakota are reviewed, a story emerges regarding the first year of life for these babies. In 2010, 11,975 live births occurred in the state. Trends that describe parameters affecting their collective health are presented in this annual report.