MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Kaneohe Bay -- In April 2003, a 2-year-old died of head injuries that the Honolulu medical examiner attributed to "shaken baby syndrome," a form of child abuse.
And, unfortunately, there are many other distressing accounts: a 2-month-old baby from Toledo, Ohio, dies as a result of head injuries from being shaken; a 29-year-old man shakes his girlfriend's 13-month-old, to stop her from crying, and she now suffers partial paralysis, visual impairment and speech delay; and with tears in her eyes, a 29-year-old mother admits killing one of her 8-month-old twins by shaking the infant, who dies of severe head injuries.
No one likes to hear a baby cry for a long time. The piercing sounds can quickly become irritating and frustrating. However, babies cry when they are wet, hungry or tired, or when they just want to be held. Crying is their form of communication.
Instead of shaking your child when he or she is crying, try any one of the following:
•Feed your baby slowly, being sure to burp your child often throughout the feeding process.
•Offer your baby a pacifier.
•Hold your baby against your cheek and walk or rock her/him.
•Take your baby for a ride in a stroller or car.
•Have your baby checked by her/his pediatrician. A medical problem may be the cause of her/his crying.
•Most importantly, when your baby is crying, you should remain calm, as your child does not hate you or want to spoil your day.
If you feel that you are losing control of yourself, place your baby in a crib or somewhere safe, then take a break. Relax. Take a few, slow deep breaths.
If possible, have someone else take care of your baby. If you are alone, call a friend. If your friends are not home, call the crisis hot line at (808) 832-3100.
No matter how angry you are, do not shake your baby. Letting your child cry is safer than shaking or punishing her/him.
Babies are extremely vulnerable to head injury because their heads are disproportionately large, and they do not have strong enough neck muscles to withstand whiplash motions. Internal bleeding can occur and may result in death, cerebral palsy, severe motor dysfunction, communication impairment, blindness, visual impairment, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, other learning disabilities, mental retardation or seizures.
Crying, fussy babies are a challenge to care for. At some time or another, all parents are pushed to the edge of their patience. It's how we react at that time that is the critical factor.
The New Parent Support Program is an organization that can help military families stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Call the New Parent Support Program at (808) 257-8803.
Remember, never ever shake your baby!