Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) Prevention for high school students

Let’s see what we know so far

All babies cry

• Crying is normal.• Babies cry for many reasons.• ALL babies will have times when

they CANNOT stop crying.

What is colic?

• “Colic” suggests intestinal distress• Is something medically wrong with

the baby?• Is the baby in pain?• Does “infant colic”

simply refer to ababy that cries a lot? YES.

The amount of normal infant crying

Adapted from the NCSBS and Ronald G. Barr, MDCM

• Changes over time• Varies among normally-developing babies

Crying IT IS THE BABY’S JOB TO CRY. IT IS YOUR JOB TO FIGURE OUT WHY.

The period of PURPLE cryingFirst months of life

From the NCSBS and Ronald G. Barr, MDCM

Peak pattern: first 2 weeks peaks 2nd month.

UnpredictableResistant to

soothing

Pain-like faceLong boutsEvening cry

Same baby ─ same day

The crying game

Soothing an irritable baby

• Feed baby slowly and burpbaby often.

• Make baby as comfortableas possible, for example,check temperature and diaper.

• Provide gentle motionor relaxing sound.

• Is baby hungry? Thirsty?Bored? Anxious? Sleepy?

• Understand that all babies have times when they cannot stop crying.

Difficultdevelopmentalphases

•Night crying

•Separation anxiety

•Exploratory behavior

•Negativism

•Loss of appetite

•Toilet training

A tired, frustrated caregiver and a crying baby can be a deadly combination leading a parent or other caregiver to shake a baby in a moment of frustration.

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)What is it?

SBS is a medical term used to describe the injuries that can result if a baby is violently shaken.

Violent shaking is one of the most devastating forms of child abuse.

The doctors: 1:48

http://on.aol.com/video/shaken-baby-syndrome-326748904?icid=video_related_6

Head movement during shaking

Brain movement inside the skull

Signs that a baby has been shaken

• Broken bones• Unusual crying• Sleepiness• Pale or bluish skin• Vomiting or refusing

to eat• Not breathing• Unconscious

What are the long term results? Even with prompt medical attention 1 of 4 infants dies.

Those who survive may have lifelong medical conditions:

•Blindness

• Paralysis

• Deafness

• Learning disabilities

•Coordination problems

•Developmental disabilities

• Seizures

Risk factors for being a victim

• Age: 50%Under 6 months- can happen up to 5 yrs.

• Gender: 60% boys• Greater demands for

care, for example illness, pre-maturity, or other special needs of some kind

Who would shake a baby?Anyone, but some people are more at risk:

• Late teens and early 20s• Males: 60-90% are dads or mom’s live

in boyfriend• Inexperience with babies• People with other risk factors – drug

and alcohol use, mental illness, high stress, lack of self-control

• Poverty, low income

Remember the Rule of 10

• Lay the baby on his back in his crib or another safe place.

• Stay feet or more away.• Slowly count to or take deep

breaths to calm yourself down.• After minutes, check on the baby• Repeat if necessary.• If you still feel stressed, call

someone for help.

It’s okay to ask for helpSomeone who can

come over right away and help like a family member or friend

The baby’s doctor, or nurse helpline

Local community resources

Have the phone numbers of people who can help when the crying is too much.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhSn_BoT5dU Lola's Hope - Published on Jan 12,

2013 Lola is a survivor of Shaken Baby

Syndrome/Abusive Head trauma and this is her story. My mission is to spread awareness and focus on prevention!

Costs of SBS:

Initial hospitalization: $150,000 Ongoing treatment/ care:

$180,000 per Year!

OTHER COSTS?

Legal Charges

Assault on Child: When SBS has been diagnosed.

Child Homocide: When SBS victim dies from injuries

All Cases: Child Protection Services is called. All other children in same environment may be removed.

Public Service Announcement

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl8d_4_jyoI

My pledge

This hand will never harm a baby

Pass the message on

Rate the Risk Calculator

The families - - - -

This material was developed by the SBS Prevention K12 curriculum team

• Susan Abbey – Children’s Trust Fund• Pamela Anderson – Middleton School

District• Anne Haverland – Oshkosh School District• Nancy Graese – CESA 11• Nancy Merwin – Cuba City School District• Sue Mokler – Ripon School District• Wendi Schreiter – Wisconsin Shaken Baby

Association

Copyright © Children’s Trust Fund of Wisconsin