Where can you go to for help if you feel stressed?
Shaking a baby can result ina serious brain injury. Shaken baby syndrome is a serious injury to the brain resulting from intentional head trauma which can occurwhena baby is thrown, jogged, jerked, or shaken — often because the baby or child won’t stop crying.
It is the single most preventable cause of serious head injury in babies under one year of age inNew Zealand.
Babies, especially very young ones, have relatively large heads, and weakneck muscles, so any kind of violentmovementwill cause a kind of whiplash effect.
Ababy’s delicate, developing brain ismuchmore sensitive to injury and seriousdamage than an adult’s.
Babies also have fragile blood vessels which tearwhenthe baby’s brain shifts quickly inside the skull. The build-up of blood in the small space puts pressure on the brain and eyes.
Sometimes roughmovementscan also detach the retina (the lightsensitive back of the eye), leading to blindness along with bruising intheir brain, brain bleeding and swelling.
Shaken baby syndrome ismore commonin children under 2, but it can affect childrenup to 5. Most cases of shaken baby syndrome occur amongbabies that are 6 to 8 weeks old, which iswhenbabies tend to cry the most.
Shakenbabysyndrome happenswhensomeone
uses force to shake a baby, infant or child
uses force to throw or drop a baby, infant or child on purpose
hits a baby’s, infant’s or child’s head or neck against an object, like the floor or furniture, or hits the head or neck with an object
Shakenbabysyndrome symptomsandsignsmay include
moveless than usual be cranky and hard to comfort have trouble sucking or swallowing eat less than usual not smiling or cooing seemstiff vomiting have seizures have trouble breathing have skin that looks blue have pupils (the dark spots in centre of the eyes) that aren’t the samesize be unable to lift their head have trouble focusing their eyes or trackingmovement difficulty staying awake coma
Shakenbabysyndromeis preventable
Youcan avoid harming your baby by not shaking themunder any circumstances. It’s easy tobecome frustratedwhenyou can’t get your baby to stop crying. However, crying is anormal behaviour in babies and infants, and shaking is never the right response.
It’s important to findwaysto relieve your stresswhenyour child cries for extended periods of time. Calling a familymemberor a friend for support can helpwhenyoufeel yourself losing control. Makesure your family membersand caregivers are also aware of the dangers of shaken baby syndrome.
Keypoints toremember abouthowto cope with a cryingbaby:
crying ishowbabies communicate — it does notmeanyour baby is being naughty
have a plan for what you will do if your baby keeps crying and you becomeupset or frustrated
it is never ever okay to shake a baby — makesure that all the peoplewho care for your babyknowthis
never leave your baby alone with anyone that you think might lose control
it’s okay to put your baby or child in a safe place, walkaway and take a short break
Tips to helpyoucopewith a cryingbaby
try feeding your baby; if they don’t seeminterested, they are not hungry
change your baby’s nappies if they are wet or dirty
makesure your baby is not too hot or too cold
try cuddling your baby— theymay be lonely or need comforting
makesure there are no tight clothes on your baby that are hurting them somewhere
if your baby is showing tired signs, putthemdownsomewheresafe to sleep— tired signs include yawning, rubbing the eyes, fist-sucking, as well as grumpiness
wrapping and holding your baby safely in a light-weight blanket— manybabies love to feel snug
singing or talking quietly to your baby, or playing somegentle music
taking your baby for awalk in a front pack or stroller; youcould also put your baby in their car seat and takethemfor adrive— motion generally helps to calm a babydown
try massaging them gently— this is a great tool to help soothe and settle
calling a friend or familymember — maybethey couldcomeover and give youa break
Whatshouldyoudoifyou think yourbabyhas been shaken?
Take your baby to your nearest doctor straightaway
Dial 111 for urgent medical help if your baby is unconscious or having breathing trouble
Don’t let guilt or fear get in theway of your child’s health. If your baby has a serious head injury because they have been shaken, it will only get worse without treatment. Early medical attentionmaysave your baby’s life and prevent serious longterm problems
If your baby seems quite well but is fussy and/or vomiting, it is important that you tell the doctor that youknowor suspect your baby has been shaken, so they can give the proper treatment
If the crying wears you out or you find yourself stressed to your limit take a time out. Separate yourself from your baby for a little while. If ● Lifeline (phone 24 hours; 0800 543 354 or for callers in the Auckland area 522 2999)
● SHINE helpline: national family violence helpline 0508 744 633. Free and confidential, operates every day 9am-11pm
● Samaritans (only available in some areas; phone numbers in front few pages of your White Pages phone book)
● Youthline for young parents (phone 0800 376 633)
● Healthline on 0800 611 116 (24 hours a day, every day)
● PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24 hours a day, every day) ● Barnardos — 0800 BARNARDOS (0800 227 627 367)
● Family Start — available in 36 locations around New Zealand (check the Family Services Directory to find if there’s one near you)
● Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children (previously Child, Youth and Family) — 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459)
possible, asksomeone else to take over comforting your baby. Put your baby in their crib or another safe place and leave the room. Try calling a friend or doing something you find relaxing such as making a cup of coffee or tea, taking a shower, listening to music, reading or sitting downand closing your eyes. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to call for help. Talking to a trusted friend or relative can be enormously comforting as well.
Bellies to Babies Antenatal & Postnatal Classes, baby massage courses and baby and infant first aid courses, 2087 Pakowhai Rd, Hawke’s Bay, 022 637 0624. https:/ /www.hbantenatal-classes.co. nz/
Medical disclaimer: This page is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed asmedical advice. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians.