Educational Program Aims to Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome

NOTE: A list of locations for the four meetings follows this release.

Family resource groups around the province are getting access to an education program that aims to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome.

For the first time, the Period of PURPLE Crying Program is being extended to communities around Nova Scotia. The training program, being offered through Community Services, teaches how and why infants cry inconsolably and suggests ways to reduce parental frustration and anger.

"It can be overwhelming when a baby won't stop crying," said Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse. "The key to getting through these difficult times safely is knowledge and support. We are offering training to staff from family resource groups, women's shelters, transition houses and other outreach initiatives that support new parents."

An internationally recognized expert on preventing shaken baby syndrome will visit four Nova Scotia locations. More than 100 staff have registered for the training sessions with Julie Price, from the U.S.-based National Centre on Shaken Baby Syndrome. Participants can ask questions and will receive a DVD to take back to their organizations. The training will allow family and community organizations to share coping skills with parents whose infants cry inconsolably.

That is one of the more difficult challenges facing parents of newborns. In some cases, newborns can be injured by frustrated or angry caregivers. Inconsolable crying can cause the infant to be described as turning "a shade of purple." A baby cries the most between the ages of two weeks and four months.

Sessions will be offered in Halifax, Berwick, Truro and Port Hawkesbury.

For more information, visit www.purplecrying.info/ .

Following is a list of program sessions:

• May 29, 10 a.m to noon, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, 1723 Hollis St., Halifax
• May 29, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Berwick Lions Hall, Kings Mutual Century Centre, 250 Veterans Dr., Berwick
• May 30, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Room 261, Cox Institute (off Pictou Road), Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Truro
• May 31, 10 a.m. to noon, Maritime Inn, 717 Reeves St., Port Hawkesbury