National Network for Equitable Library Service

All it takes is two or three violent shakes-in a little as five seconds by an angry parent or caregiver-to punish or quiet a crying child. Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of abuse related deaths among infants. Nearly one-third of shaken babies die, with as high as 80 percent of survivors suffering permanent brain damage. In Losing Patience, James Peinkofer provides an encompassing look into the famous and recent cases (Virginia Jaspers, Patience Gill, and Louise Woodward) and key medical personnel that helped shape and define Shaken Baby Syndrome. He identifies the victimology (which infants and children are most vulnerable), what to look out for in a caregiver, and what a family should do if they suspect SBS. He also provides prevention efforts, ways to soothe a crying baby, and stories from the families and survivors. Losing Patience is a must-read for every parent, grandparent, and caregiver. The life that's saved may be your tiny loved one's.