Mary McCurdy - PinnacleHealth

In the first two to three months, crying is at a peak in the baby’s
development Crying is absolutely normal, even for a prolonged
period. Being aware that parenthood is going to be hard is the
first step to preventing SBS. “Many parents get home after
having help from medical staff and feel completely overwhelmed,”
says Norine Tamborino RN, Performance Improvement at
PinnacleHealth. “Have a support plan even before going into
the hospital.”
baby. While it is important to accept help or take a break when
you are stressed, it’s also important to remember as parents you
are the ‘A-Team’ for the baby’s care,” says Tamborino. The “B”
team, made up of grandparents and friends, are responsible for
the household basics. There are many “mommy and me” and
play groups you can get involved in. This way, you can spend time
with your baby while socializing with other parents going through
the same things you are.
Support Plan
Before going to the hospital
to have your baby, it will be
helpful to have a phone list of
people you trust and can call
for support. If you cannot reach
a friend and you’re feeling
overwhelmed, put your baby
in a safe place, like a crib,
and step outside and take a
deep breath, rebalance your
emotions and remember: it
gets easier. No one is an expert
of your babies. Within relatively
a short time you will become
the expert of your child.
“Nurses should advise new
parents on how to comfort a
crying baby. Sharing personal
experiences helps parents
realize that even professionals
caring for babies have the same
issues and deal with the same
stresses,” explains Tamborino.
Don’t ever leave the baby with someone you do not trust. Even
a close friend or relative can lose their patience when stressed,
especially if they are normally known to have a hot temper. Asking
someone for help whom you trust is key. Even as a parent, you
must be able to walk away for twenty to thirty minutes when you
are feeling overwhelmed. Take a deep breath to regain a sense
of peace. You must take care of yourself in order to take proper
care of your baby. Relationships can suffer during this time as
well. Schedule a date night with your partner to help keep your
marriage balanced as well.
While accepting help is recommended, it is also crucial not to
accept too much help. During the first few months of your baby’s
life, you and your baby are learning to work together. The baby
is establishing a schedule while you are learning their cues to
meet their needs. This process is critical in strengthening your
confidence. “Don't let well meaning family and friends hog the
Even as a parent,
you must be able to
walk away for twenty
to thirty minutes
when you are feeling
overwhelmed. Take a
deep breath to regain
a sense of peace.
Team Work
Raising your baby takes a
team approach. Whether the
mom is at home during the
first few months, while the
dad is at work or vice versa,
sharing responsibility is a
must. Work as a team to care
for your baby. Schedule time
for lunch with friends and
have the other parent do
housework and take care of
the baby. Don’t feel guilty for
being out and enjoying some
quiet time. Responsibility is
shared and the time will help
relieve stress and make you
a better parent. Make sure
to take turns; teamwork is
the best approach to a
healthy family.
PinnacleHealth is committed
to building strong families.
There are about 4,200 infants
delivered at Harrisburg
Hospital each year. Since 2006, every new family is provided
with education from a Registered Nurse, pamphlets explaining
methods to comfort a crying baby, a DVD entitled, “Portrait of
Promise,” which illustrates personal stories, consequences of
violent shaking, and positive parenting techniques for prevention.
Parents are asked to sign a voluntary commitment statement by
the Registered Nurse. The form validates that the parents have
received, read and understand the information given about SBS.
A copy is given to the parents and a copy is placed in the infant
birth record.
For more information about SBS or PinnacleHealth services,
visit pinnaclehealth.org. If you or someone you know need help
managing stress or anger to prevent any harm to your/their
baby, call the Pennsylvania Department of Health CONNECT
line at 1-800-692-7288.
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