Bristol hospital launches programme to stop parents from shaking babies

A new programme aiming to educate parents about the dangers of shaking a baby has been launched at a Bristol hospital.

The Preventing Non Accidental Head Injury (NAHI) programme, involves midwives and health professionals and is being trialled at Southmead Hospital in association with the NSPCC.

The scheme involves showing new parents a short film before they are discharged.

It will explain to parents the dangers of shaking a baby and how to cope when they are feeling stressed and tired.

Parents will then be asked to sign a statement saying they have seen the DVD and be given an information leaflet to take home.

The same programme will soon be starting at the maternity unit at St Michael’s Hospital.

Regional Head of Service for the NSPCC for Bristol and the South West, Sharon Copsey said: “Evidence shows us that teaching parents how to handle their baby and cope with stress may be the best way to protect infants from non-accidental injury. Abused babies are more likely to die from head injuries than any other cause. It is estimated that 24 in every 100,000 babies suffer from non accidental head injury but the true number is likely to be higher as babies with mild injuries may never be seen by a GP or hospital. In one study, as many as one in nine mothers admitted to shaking their baby.”

Babies who have been shaken during the first few months of life can die, or suffer from severe bran damage. Other effects caused by shaking include blindness, cerebral palsy, hearing loss and learning difficulties.

Deputy Director of Midwifery at Southmead Hospital, Rachel Fielding said: “Becoming a parent is one of the most profoundly important life events many of us experience.  The transition to parenthood can be a source of great joy; but may also be a source of great anxiety.  Babies do not arrive with a user manual – they significantly change our lives – and the total dependence of a newborn can be a daunting responsibility.

“Many parents are unaware of the dangers of shaking a baby, so by working with the NSPCC and informing them before they take their newborn home we aim to help keep their baby safe.”