What is Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma?
Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS) describes the serious injuries that can occur when a young child is severely or violently shaken. Young children, especially babies, have very weak neck muscles and do not yet have full control of their head movements. When they are shaken, the head whips back and forth slamming their fragile brain tissue against the hard skull, causing brusing, bleeding and swelling inside the brain. When shaking is combined with throwing the baby against the crib mattress or pillow, even more force is applied to the brain and more damage can occur.

What are some of the symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma?
Although there are sometimes no outward physical signs of trauma, there may some such as bruising, bleeding or swelling. Other symptoms include: change in behavior; irritability; lethargy or loss of consciousness; pale or bluish skin; vomiting; and convulsions.

What injuries can result from shaking a baby?
Depending on the age of the child and how severe the shaking, injuries can include: blindness or eye damage; delays in normal development; seizures; damage to the spinal cord (paralysis); brain damage; mental retardation; learning disabilities; speech problems; impaired use of arms and legs; hearing loss; and even death.

What should you do if your baby has been shaken?
If you or someone else shakes your baby, the most important step is to get medical care right away. Immediately take your child to the pediatrician or emergency room. Don't let embarassment, guilt or fear get in the way of your child's health or life. If your baby's brain is damaged or bleeding inside from severe shaking, it will only get worse without treatment. Getting medical care right away may save your child's life and prevent serious health problems from developing. Be sure to tell your pediatrician, or other doctor, if you know or suspect that your child was shaken.

Hospital Education Program for Maternity Services

The hospital education program is designed for nurses and healthcare providers who provide  care to new and expectant parents.  This curriculum   provides the tools and materials needed for healthcare providers  to educate parents about safely  caring for their newborns. Trainings for parents focuses on crying patterns, how to cope with an inconsolable crying infant, and how to deal with their own frustrations.  It is comprehensive , yet concise and respects the time constraints health professionals face.

School Based Curriculum on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma for middle and High School Students

School based curriculum is designed for teachers to incorporate into their health education curriculum. It is easy to use and introduces students to Shaken Baby Syndrome. It includes classroom discussion ideas, quizzes and Elijah’s Story video. The curriculum educates students about the medical aspects of shaking injuries, what triggers a person to shake a baby, and safe ways to deal with the frustrations and stresses of caring for an infant. Students will develop appropriate coping skills.

DADS 101

Dads 101 introduces new and expectant fathers to the basics of caring for their newborn. Trainings  includes, information from diaper changing to bathing.  Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention is covered as well as dealing with the frustrations of infant care, and ways to safely care for a crying baby. Dads 101 helps men feel more comfortable in their roles as fathers, thereby reducing the stresses that can lead to shaking.