What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?
Shaken baby syndrome is a severe form of head injury that occurs when a baby is shaken forcibly enough to cause the baby's brain to rebound (bounce) against his or her skull. This rebounding may cause bruising, swelling, and bleeding of the brain, which may lead to permanent, severe brain damage or death.
The condition is usually the result of non-accidental trauma or child abuse. Of those responsible, approximately 37 percent are the baby's father, 20 percent are the mother's boyfriend, 17 percent are a female caregiver other than the mother, and 12 percent are the mother. Any adult is capable of injuring a baby. file encryption software review
NEVER, EVER SHAKE YOUR BABY! Losing contol, even for a very very brief time, and shaking your baby can cause irreparable damage to your baby and even death. Half of the children who are victims of shaken baby syndrome die from their injuries. I found a sample essay, possibly better pay someone to do my homework,- It is very important.
The injuries that can result from shaking a baby include:
Learning disabilities
Delays in development
Speech problems
Impaired use of arms and legs
Brain damage and seizures
Hearing loss
Partial or total blindness
Spinal injury
Paralysis
Mental retardation
How are Colic and Shaken Baby Syndrome Related?
The technical definition of colic is "crying lasting for three hours per day for more than three days a week for longer than three weeks." Any extended inconsolable crying is enough to fray the nerves of even the most tranquil parent. To deal with this screaming day after day for hours on end and not be able to stop it, can drive some to the brink of absolutely losing their temper. It is this potential loss of control, which links colic and Shaken Baby Syndrome.
What can I do to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome from happening to my baby?
A large percentage of Shaken Baby Syndrome cases are the result of extreme frustration on the part of a care giver who can not calm a crying baby , and have come to the end of their ropes and lost control.
Parents or care givers need to be able to guage their tempers and WALK AWAY from a screaming baby if they feel that loss of control is near. Put the baby down in his / her crib and close the door. Go someplace where you can not hear the screaming. Call someone to take over caring for the baby for a while so you can get a much need break.
Raising a child is one of the most difficult jobs there is, but when that baby is screaming constantly, the difficulty gets multiplies by a thousand.
You are not a "bad parent" for realizing you are stressed and need a break.
If you can't calm your baby, and you are feeling closer and closer to losing control:
STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING!
Put your screaming baby down in a crib, swing, or other safe secure spot.
Walk a way. Go stand on the porch. Go take a shower. Go do something that will get you away from the situation until you have regained your composure and are able to deal with your baby.
REMEMBER---It's normal to feel upset and angry. Taking care of a baby can be tiring and sometimes extremely frustrating. But there are ways to comfort him and yourself, and people nearby to help. Never yell at, hit, or shake a baby!!
What are the symptoms of shaken baby syndrome?
Symptoms may include changes in behavior, irritability, lethargy, loss of consciousness, pale or bluish skin, vomiting, and convulsions. Although there usually are no outward physical signs of trauma, there may be broken, injured, or dislocated bones and injuries to the neck and spine.
If you baby suddenly starts to show any of these changes please contact your health care professional IMMEDIATELY!
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