The shaken baby prevention programme for educators
On this page you'll find some information about the programme and who to contact if you'd like to introduce this programme in your organisation.
About the programme
In December 2009 Child, Youth and Family invested funds over two years into supporting the Auckland District Health Board’s ‘preventing shaken baby syndrome programme’. The pilot programme commenced in January 2010 and was initially set up as a two year pilot.
The main purpose of the pilot was to create a sustainable programme that educates caregivers of all newborns on how to cope with a crying baby, and the dangers of shaking a baby.
The ADHB preventing shaken baby syndrome programme is based on American paediatrician Mark Dias’ model, which has shown to reduce Shaken Baby Syndrome rates by almost 50 percent.
The programme involves talking with new mums and dads about why babies cry, and the things they can do if they begin to feel frustrated by the crying.
The education package takes ten minutes to deliver, and consists of:
- One brochure
- Six key messages
- A New Zealand produced DVD where families share their stories
- A poster that supports the messages to families
- An educator’s guide for anyone delivering the programme.
We want all new parents and caregivers to stop, think and count to ten. As well as teaching them strategies about never shaking a baby, we are embedding a message about protecting and nurturing vulnerable babies.
I'd like to deliver the education programme, what next?
We’re delighted you want to help educate parents and caregivers about the dangers of shaking a baby, and what they can do instead.
Please contact the national training coordinator at educate@powertoprotect.net.nz
They’ll be able to talk with you about implementing this programme in your organisation. The national educator is there to provide you with training for your lead programme delivery staff and to give ongoing support while the programme is being introduced.
