Shaken Baby Syndrome
Upcoming Conference, More on Natl. Center
Sept. 8, 2000
Primary Children's Medical Center has treated 15 cases of shaken baby syndrome in just the first six months of this year, compared to 12 cases in all of 1999.
Those alarming numbers are more ammunition for a new National Center opening its doors for the first time in Utah.
Science Specialist Ed Yeates has more.
The growing number of shaken baby cases here at Primary and other hospitals around the state is why the National Center for Shaken Baby Syndrome was formed, and why it's about to launch a more aggressive campaign to stop the death and injuries.
"STOP THAT CRYING, STOP IT. WHAT'S WRONG?"
Child abuse prevention staff have been doing this for a long time, trying to teach people how almost 100 babies haved died needlessly in this state over the past five years.
But apparently the message is not getting through enough.
MARILYN SANDBERG, NATIONAL CENTER EXEC. DIRECTOR: "THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE SHAKING IS A LESS DANGEROUS WAY TO SHOW THEIR FRUSTRATION OR TO RESPOND TO AN IRRITATING SITUATION, AND THEY RESORT TO SHAKING."
These classes have been repeated over and over.
In a world of working moms and dads, more young males end up taking care of babies. They are more likely than women to shake a child, thinking the disciplinary action will stop the crying.
Instead, the young brain inside the skull smashes from side to side, disabling or killing the baby.
If death occurs, it may happen right away or later on.
ROB PARRISH, NATIONAL CENTER DEPUTY DIRECTOR: "KIDS WHO VIRITUALLY WILL BE IN A VEGETATIVE STATE THE REST OF THEIR LIVES AND MANY OF THOSE CHILDREN DO NOT LIVE BEYOND 10 OR 12 YEARS."
Emily Fisher has become an active campaigner for the National Center. She appears in a documentary premiering in Salt Lake later this month.
Emily's son Elijah died after his dad shook him, hoping he would stop crying. Emily's message to parents who have trouble with anger...
EMILY FISHER: "TO WALK AWAY WHEN YOU GET FRUSTRATED, MOSTLY. IT'S OKAY TO LEAVE A CRYING BABY ALONE IF YOU'VE TRIED EVERYTHING. MAKE SURE THE ROOM IS SAFE THAT THE BABY IS IN - AND JUST WALK AWAY."
Walk away, Emily says, and recognize it's okay to ask for help.
And remember, it's not just Dads who may have a problem with anger. Moms, other family members and babysitters are also at risk.
For more information on shaken baby syndrome, call the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome in Ogden at 801 627-3399.
