Findings from a pioneering pilot across Wales have suggested that a new programme by the NSPCC is helping to keep babies safe.
Since the spring of 2013, when the programme was introduced into maternity services in three local health boards in Wales, around 8000 new parents have been shown a powerful film to help them care for a crying baby, and reduce the risk of them becoming stressed and harming their baby. The five minute DVD is played to new parents before they leave hospital and uses both case studies and expert advice to inform mothers and fathers about the terrifying risks of shaking a baby.
The film helps them understand the dangers, how to respond to their baby crying and how to cope with feeling stressed and tired.
Des Mannion, NSPCC’s national head of service in Wales, said: “Our evaluation results suggest that the film is helping to keep babies safe. Ninety-nine per cent of parents from across the UK who took part in our evaluation remembered the film at least six months after watching it. Eighty-two per cent said they used advice from the film when caring for their baby and the rate of reported injuries amongst babies with feeding, sleeping or crying difficulties was lower if their parents had seen the film.
“This is a ground-breaking new programme based on the best international evidence. It is a relatively simple and low cost intervention, and our evaluation shows that it is helping parents to manage the pressures of new parenthood and soothe their baby. It is critically important that we support families to reduce stress during the significant life changes that accompany the birth of a new baby.”
Nia Pugh from Sketty saw the DVD following the birth of her daughter Mali Gwen at Moriston Hospital in September. Nia said: “As a new parents it’s normal to feel stressed at times and the DVD shows ways to try and deal with it. It reminds you it’s ok to ask for a helping hand and highlights that crying is a normal part of a baby’s development.”
Hospitals that partnered up with the NSPCC are: Wrexham Maelor, Bangor and Glan Clwyd in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board in North Wales, Swansea’s Singleton Hospital, Bridgend’s Princess of Wales, and the Neath Port Talbot Hospital in the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Local Health Board, and the Royal Glamorgan, Llantrisant and Prince Charles in Merthyr Tydfil from the Cwm Taf Local Health Board.
The Safeguarding Specialist Midwife for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Ann Walker, said: “We were originally approached in 2012 by the NSPCC offering us their support and assistance to fully engage in the Preventing Non Accidental Head Injury Programme pilot. The NSPCC has been working closely in partnership with the Health Board primarily within the Maternity Service but also within the Children’s and Health Visiting Services across North Wales to fully engage and assist in the implementation of this programme.
Early indications provide evidence that the DVD is achieving its aims to make children safer through a range of small but significant messages which impacts upon parents/carers knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. The pilot will be completed in November 2014 and the NSPCC has agreed to continue to support us until 2015 to ensure the full implementation and ownership of this programme, which is greatly appreciated.”
Looking after a crying baby can be challenging. Parents can sometimes struggle to soothe their baby, and may find this upsetting or frustrating. In the worst cases, this can lead to parents getting angry and harming their baby. An American study found that 70 per cent of mums with babies who cried excessively had experienced aggressive thoughts. NSPCC estimates that around 200 babies a year in the UK suffer from serious head injuries as the result of being shaken, hit or thrown.
A crying baby can be exhausting and stressful, but this difficult time won’t last forever. If you feel you can’t cope and need a break don’t be afraid to ask for help from someone you trust such as a family member, midwife, health visitor or children’s centre worker. Alternatively, call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 and talk to one of our counsellors.
