Released 13/01/2017
Minister for Health, Meegan Fitzharris today launched the PURPLE Crying Program in the ACT to educate parents and caregivers about increased infant crying and the dangers of shaking an infant.
The Period of PURPLE Crying® Program is an evidence-based prevention initiative used internationally and across Australia. The program aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries that can occur when a frustrated parent or caregiver shakes a crying baby.
“The PURPLE Crying Program educates parents about a typical stage in early infancy where increased crying occurs and can be a key trigger to shaking. It also promotes infant and parent bonding, and other crucial parenting skills,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“As a mum of three, I know that life with a newborn can sometimes be challenging. Many new parents don’t realise that all babies go through a phase of increased crying in the first few months of life, generally beginning at about two weeks of age and continuing until the baby is about three to four months old.
“Infant cryingis a common cause of parents or caregivers shaking and injuring their baby, which is why this program is so important in providing education and support for parents, as well changing expectations and social norms about excessive crying during this period of the baby’s life.
“It is very important that parents or other caregivers are educated about Shaken Baby Syndrome because knowing what to expect can make it easier to handle this challenging, but normal period in the baby’s life.
“Every new parent can benefit from knowing more about the Period of PURPLE Crying. This initiative will give parents the confidence to know that sometimes soothing your baby will be a challenge, however there’s nothing wrong with you, and help is only a phone call away.”
The program teaches that when a baby starts crying there are plenty of methods a parent can try to help soothe the baby, including: feeding or burping, giving the baby a bath or a massage, singing or humming, or some babies may respond well to white noise or a ride in the car. If nothing seems to work and the parent is beginning to feel frustrated or angry, it is time to take a break and seek further support.
The implementation of the Period of PURPLE Crying Program in the ACT has been a collaborative effort among healthcare partners including the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Calvary Hospital, John James Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth II Family Centre.
The Period of PURPLE Crying Program will become a point of emphasis across Canberra’s birthing services to ensure the community is familiarised with this normal crying period in every infant’s life and how to cope with it.
“The program will be delivered in-hospital with parent education provided after the birth and as a take-home education booklet with a code for a downloadable app. Support is also provided through General Practitioners and Maternal and Child Health (MACH) Nurses to reinforce these important messages, while providing parents the opportunity for further discussion and support,” Minister Fitzharris said.
The launch of the program includes over 200 purple beanies knitted by volunteers being donated to the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children.
“I’d like to thank the volunteers for their time knitting these beanies, which I know will be wonderfully received by new parents. I would also like to acknowledge the midwives, nurses and health professionals working in the ACT’s health sector for all they do every day to educate parents about Shaken Baby Syndrome to save lives,” Minister Fitzharris said.
More information about the Period of PURPLE Crying Program is available online at: www.health.act.gov.au
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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