Post on 14-Dec-2015
Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention for middle school students
Let’s see what we know so far
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.
Elijah’s Story
What happens when a baby is shaken?
Shaken Baby Syndrome What is it?
Signs that a baby has been shaken
• Broken bones• Unusual crying• Sleepiness• Vomiting or refusing
to eat• Pale or bluish skin• Not breathing• Unconscious
What are the long term results?
• Even with prompt medical attention many babies die.
• Those who survive may have:
•Blindness
•Paralysis
•Deafness
• Learning disabilities
•Coordination problems
•Developmental disabilities
• Seizures
The most common reason
given for shaking a baby
is that the baby
wouldn’t
stop
crying.
All babies cry
• Crying is normal.• Babies cry for many reasons.• ALL babies will have times when
they CANNOT stop crying.
Babies cry to communicateFeeling Middle Schooler 2-month-old
Hunger “When’s dinner? I’m
starved.”
Discomfort “I’m not wearing these shoes. They’re too tight.”
Over-stimulation “Leave me alone.”
Under-stimulation “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.”
Fatigue “I’ve had a long day”
“CRY!”
“CRY!”
“CRY!”
“CRY!”
“CRY!”
Risk factors for being a victim
• Age• Gender (boy or girl)• Greater demands
for care, for example pre-maturity, illness, or other special needs
Soothing an irritable baby
• Feed baby slowly and burpbaby often.
• Make baby as comfortableas possible.
• Provide gentle motionor relaxing sound.
• Is baby hungry? Thirsty?Bored? Anxious? Sleepy?
• Understand that all babies have times when they cannot stop
crying.
Difficultdevelopmentalphases
Who would shake a baby?
Anyone, but some people are more at risk:
• Late teens and early 20s• Males• Inexperience with babies• People with other risk factors – drug
and alcohol use, mental illness, lack of self-control, high stress
When a baby can’t stop crying
• Try different ways to soothe the baby.• Know that a comforted baby doesn’t
always mean a quiet baby.• Know that crying isn’t always a sign
that something is wrong.• If at anytime you start feeling tense
or frustrated, it is important for you to take a break.
Remember the Rule of• 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 help
• Someone who can come over right away and help
• 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.
My pledge
This hand will never harm a baby Signed:
Pass the message on
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
Acknowledgements National Shaken Baby Association The Children of Shaken Baby Syndrome SBS Prevention Network, Alberta Canada
Thanks for your time and your commitment to never harm a baby.
Pass the message on