Media release
Date 03 September 2009
For immediate release

Plunket welcomes move to address shaken baby syndrome in New Zealand

Plunket welcomes the latest move by the government to address the issue of shaken baby syndrome in New Zealand.

Brenda Hynes, Plunket National Clinical Advisor (Nursing) says it is vital parents are offered information and strategies right from the beginning so that they understand their child’s vulnerability, behaviour and developmental stage.

“Helping parents and caregivers understand risks and consequences of shaking a baby is important in preventing the injuries resulting from shaken baby syndrome.

“Being a parent with a new born child represents a huge change for most people. A crying baby and lack of sleep can combine to create a stressful situation. Ensuring both parents have information to help them deal with these situations or know where to go for help and support will be fundamental to reducing the risks to babies of being shaken.

“Parents need support and to know where to go for support. Services such as PlunketLine are available 24/7 every day of the year to parents. Calls on sleep related topics are among the top three issues raised by those ringing PlunketLine. While having more support in hospitals will no doubt help the focus must be on supporting parents to cope with stressful situations,” she says.

“Anything that can be done to raise this issue in public is positive. Working together as a community to support new parents is a crucial step for New Zealand to take to keep our children safe.”

ENDS

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