Memorial Hospital for Children Implements Child Abuse Prevention Program to Combat Rise in Shaken Baby Cases

Memorial Hospital for Children in Colorado Springs has already treated 25 abused babies this year, with six of the children suffering fatal injuries and the rest of them inflicted with brain damage, blindness, paralysis, or other serious conditions, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette.  Twenty-six total cases of child abuse were handled by the hospital last year-- showing a significant rise in child abuse for 2009 based on the 25 cases seen by the hospital in just seven months this year.  Also from January through July of 2009, twice the number of babies have died as a result of child abuse than the number recorded for all of last year.  According to officials from Memorial Hospital, the majority of these incidents of abuse are cases of shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma), and the hospital hopes to combat these rising numbers with a new prevention program scheduled to begin August 1st.  Similar to prevention efforts in other states, the program involves teaching all new parents (and, hopefully, other family members) about the dangers of shaking a child as well as how to handle a baby's chronic crying when it occurs at home.

According to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, the rise in abusive head trauma cases is a trend across the United States, with an estimated 1,200 to 1,400 cases per year, but research shows that prevention efforts such as the one adopted by Memorial Hospital may cut the number of shaken baby cases in half.  Not only is the new program intended to prevent parents from abusing their children, but also to cause parents to be extremely careful when choosing caregivers for their babies.

For more information about abusive head trauma, its effects, and how to receive the best medical care for your child, contact shaken baby syndrome lawyer Chris Keane online or by phone at 1-888-592-KIDS. He will be glad to provide you with free resources and advice regarding your unique situation.

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Gazette:  Memorial combats rise in shaken-baby cases with new program

"Conscious Fathering" Class Teaches New Dads Parenting Basics, Educates Them on Shaken Baby Syndrome | CA Abusive Head Trauma Attorney

According to the King 5 news website, experts are linking the rise in instances of child abuse this year to the nation's economic state.  A class for new dads in Washington state, however, aims to lower the child abuse statistics and keep children and babies safe by educating fathers on parenting.  The class, Conscious Fathering, teaches the basics of caring for a baby such as feeding, changing diapers, and bathing, but it also focuses on teaching fathers how to take care of themselves.  Dads learn how to recognize the signs of stress and calm themselves down rather than attempting to calm their crying babies by shaking them.  Among the common signs of stress mentioned in the class are a clenched jaw, clammy skin, talking loudly or rapidly, and feeling overheated.

According to the creator of the class, Bernie Dorsey, anyone who cares and loves for children and spends any amount of time around a young child will become frustrated, and preparing fathers for the feeling of being overwhelmed and frustrated gives them more confidence and takes away some of the fears of not doing things correctly.  Dorsey says that 80% of men enter fatherhood without having any significant experience with infants, so it is important to inform fathers that it's okay to put down a crying baby in order to take care of one's own overwhelming feelings.  During the two-hour class, dads are also asked to share shaken baby prevention tips with others who will be caring for young children.

For more information on shaken baby syndrome, feel free to contact abusive head trauma and child injury attorney Chris Keane, who focuses his practice on representing injured or abused children.  If you believe that your baby or a baby you know may have suffered from shaken baby syndrome, the Keane Law Firm will send you helpful resources, free information, and provide free answers to your most important questions.

Click here to contact Chris Keane in an online form.

To contact Chris Keane by phone, call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

DVD To Parents of Newborns: Excessive Crying is Normal (Video Aims to Minimize Cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome)

Newborn babies may cry up to 5 hours per day for no apparent reason, and caregivers must understand how to handle babies gently while dealing with their own frustrations.  That's what parents of newborns in Kansas are learning through a new video that attempts to prevent more cases of the devastating but frequently occurring shaken baby syndrome.  In response to numerous recent deaths caused by child abuse in Wichita, city officials announced the "Period of PURPLE Crying" initiative on Thursday, May 7:  a program intended to help parents understand and cope with what seems like chronic crying from newborn babies.  Effective June 1, parents of babies born at Wichita hospitals will be required to watch a DVD about how often, how much, and why babies cry as well as how to handle the frustration associated with the phenomenon.  They will receive a copy of the DVD to take home, along with a booklet titled, "Did You Know Your Baby Would Cry Like This?," both created by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.

The video aims to make two things apparent:  excessive crying is normal for newborns, and it is okay for parents to put down a crying baby for a few minutes in order to calm their own nerves.  The word "PURPLE" is used to remind parents what is normal:  a Peak in crying (babies may cry more over time until peaking at about 2 months of age), Unexpected tears (babies may cry for no apparent reason), Resistance to attempts to soothe or comfort the newborn, an appearance of Pain (even though the baby may not be in pain), Long-lasting periods of crying (up to 5 hours per day), and a tendency for more tears in the Evening.

Crying can lead to shaken baby syndrome if a caregiver does not understand the dangers of shaking a baby.  If you believe that your baby may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome, feel free to call the Keane Law Firm with any questions you may have.  Child injury attorney Chris Keane of San Francisco, CA, will answer all of your questions for free with compassion and professionalism.  1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).

Causes of Shaken Baby Syndrome | Shaken Baby Syndrome Lawyer

Some babies are more at-risk of abusive events, including being shaken by an adult, than others, although it is important to determine if a baby has been shaken even if that child does not seem at-risk of abuse.  Among children who are at-risk of shaken baby syndrome and cases of neglect are twins or babies of multiple births, infants who are less than one year old, male infants, and infants who are premature, inconsolable when crying, or prone to health problems.  Shaken baby syndrome occurs, however, not because of the baby, but because of the adult who commits the act or neglects to care adequately for the baby.

Some adults are more at-risk of committing abusive acts than others, including those who were victims of abuse themselves, who lack good coping skills, have unrealistic expectations or problems with substance abuse, or suffer from mental health issues.  Adults who are more likely to neglect or injure a child are also affected by environmental factors.  Financial troubles, dysfunctional family members or practices, and social isolation can lead to cases of shaken baby syndrome.

Regardless of your situation, it is important to note that shaken baby syndrome can take place anywhere and at any time.  If you feel that your child has been a victim of neglect or abuse at school, day care, home, or any other facility, contact the Keane Law Firm for free information and answers to your most pressing questions.  Experienced and compassionate child injury attorney Chris Keane will help you find medical help and recover the finances you need to treat and care for your child.  Keane Law Firm:  1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).