Enthusiasm Extends to Fathers

The success of the Period of PURPLE Crying program is aided by the enthusiasm of the nurses and other hospital staff who deliver it to new parents. At Carolinas Medical Center–Pineville in Charlotte, the program started in January 2009 and was quickly embraced by the hospital staff.

"We met 80 percent of our training goals within days of kick-off," says Jennifer Stone, OB Education Coordinator.

The Maternity Center's discharge nursing team, including Stone, delivered the program to new parents, but also worked with other staff to incorporate the messages of PURPLE Crying into prenatal education and childbirth classes — particularly for expectant fathers.

Fathers Participate in PURPLE Crying Curriculum

"Research shows that fathers are more likely to be perpetrators in Shaken Baby Syndrome, so we wanted to address that," says Stone. "We have a ‘Boot Camp for New Dads' that is a men-only environment, where trainers incorporate the PURPLE Crying curriculum."

Stone and her colleagues also actively encourage fathers to be present for their babies' discharge appointments, where the nurses deliver the PURPLE Crying information and show the DVD. "As part of our checklist for discharge, we track the percentages of fathers who are present and try to make sure that the parents take the DVD with them," says Stone. "We also urge them to show it to anyone who will be caring for the baby."

"It's been fun working together on this," says Stone. "Having these tools has been helpful. Everyone is very positive about this program. It's exciting to know that we're taking part in a national study, but more importantly, it feels good to know we're making a difference that could save a baby's life."