Memorial Hospital Named Shaken Baby Prevention Education Champion

Memorial Hospital was recently recognized as an Abusive Head Trauma / Shaken Baby Prevention Education Champion by the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services.

To become an Abusive Head Trauma / Shaken Baby Syndrome (AHT/SBS) Prevention Hospital Champion, hospitals are required to sign a pledge, create or update an AHT/SBS policy, provide yearly education to hospital personnel, and educate parents with evidence-based materials.

Shaken baby syndrome, also known as abusive head trauma, shaken impact syndrome, inflicted head injury or whiplash shake syndrome, is a serious brain injury resulting from forcefully shaking an infant or toddler. Babies have weak neck muscles and often struggle to support their heavy heads. If a baby is forcefully shaken, his or her fragile brain moves back and forth inside the skull, causing bruising, swelling and bleeding.

Shaken baby syndrome usually occurs when a parent or caregiver severely shakes a baby or toddler due to frustration or anger — often because the child won't stop crying. Shaken baby syndrome isn't usually caused by bouncing a child on your knee, minor falls or even rough play.

The effects of Shaken baby syndrome can be devastating, destroying a child's brain cells and preventing his or her brain from getting enough oxygen. Shaken baby syndrome is a form of child abuse that can result in permanent brain damage or death.

"Memorial Hospital's birthing staff are passionate about the mission and goals of the Shaken Baby campaign," said Jessica Griffin, RN, BSN, CLC, and Obstetrical Supervisor at Memorial Hospital. "Through education and training, we are committed to preventing future children and families from living with the devastating effects of Abusive Head Trauma / Shaken Baby Syndrome."

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) worked with the Nebraska Hospital Association, the Nebraska Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative, and the Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska to launch the Nebraska AHT/SBS Prevention Education Hospital Campaign. The campaign provides evidence-based education and training to parents of newborns as well as birthing hospital staff.

"The stresses of parenthood can be intense, but with proper education we are ensuring parents know the right way to deal with their new role," said Division of Public Health Deputy Director Judy Martin. "This is a transformative initiative that impacts children in their first year of life, but affects the rest of their life."

Eleven babies' deaths were associated with Abusive Head Trauma for Nebraska infants between 2010 and 2016. Even one infant death is too many. Many more babes were injured by being shaken, but were able to survive. AHT/SBS is 100 percent preventable and is a form of physical child abuse to a baby or young child.

For more information, contact Memorial Hospital Obstetrics department at 402-694-8223.