What are people saying about the PURPLE program?

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 “I have worked with Period of Purple Crying for years and have found it to be a great educational tool and resource, not only for our patients but for our staff also.”
-Nicole, Sioux Center Health (2016)

"Thank you, thank you, thank you for putting this together.  I spent three weeks in the NICU with my first new baby and to be honest, it was less that my baby was sick that stressed me out but rather, well-meaning therapists, a few nurses, and family members that bombarded me with advice and lots of analyzing questions. So when my baby started crying at nights, I was prepared but sure enough no one tells you its normal. Instead I keep getting unsolicited advice and repetitively that its gas. I always secretly want to tell everyone, you don't think I've tried that? A family therapist straight up said a baby is only colic because something is physiologically wrong, like I missed something. I was able to feel okay knowing I am doing my best as a mother and don't need to go hunting for another "colic drop" to try. What has helped soothe my baby is physical exercise which exerts his pent up energy so he doesn't fight his sleepiness, changing up his activities, and resetting his mood with a warm bath or a fresh bottle. I also let him get some of his crying out which he does even after his bath but he calms down when I pick him up for his fresh bottle a few minutes later. Again, please continue to put forth this type of research and information. I hope more moms become aware especially new moms who often hide how hard things are for them because they are often judged and just given more advice, not comfort. I wish that more health care providers and therapists who observe and question mothers would be more aware of this information so they can really provide support and more resources to mothers, make them feel inadequate."
- Evelyn (2015)

"Thank you, I just had my third child and never experienced this unexpected un-sootheable crying before. I definitely didn't know if it was normal or not. This has been helpful."
-Candice (2014)

"We got your booklet and DVD at the hospital when our baby was born and I just wanted to let you know that it's been really helpful. We've been lucky so far with only a bit of crying but every time it comes we say "Right, purple crying. Let's deal with it one step at a time." It's been ... not easy, but doable. Having other people (on the video) share how hard it was for them made it much easier for us to deal. So thanks! 
-Dana (2014)

"This is fantastic! Thank you so much for this information. I've heard that crying is normal and peaks around two to three months but the way it is all explained here is so much more detailed and reassuring. Appreciate the anecdotes from other frustrated mothers, too. That helps make me feel more normal!
-Jennifer (2013)

Provider Feedback

“If providing this information makes one family with a high crying baby feel good about themselves, it’s more than worth the time and money to put it into practice. If one incident of Abusive Head Trauma is prevented, it has been more than worth the resources invested.”
-Debi, Nurse Manager (2015)

“I believe when you discuss “shaken baby” with parents they tend to become a little defensive but this video addresses the concerns in a very non-confrontational manner. I myself have experienced a few episodes of the PURPLE crying and I will be the first to admit that it does become overwhelming very fast. I am grateful for you and your organization for the resources you provide so we can share this information with our patients.”
-Stefanie, Care Nurse Manager (2015)

“Initially, our nurses were hesitant to add one more thing to their ‘to do’ list. They were also apprehensive about using the term ‘shaken baby’ in their parent education. When we introduce the Period of PURPLE Crying program DVD, we tell the family that it explains normal crying behavior and what to expect in the weeks to follow. Every mother wants to know what to expect – how much their baby will cry and how to cope with it. The nurse never needs to say the words ‘shaken baby,’ the DVD says it all and it only takes a couple of minutes to introduce the DVD. This program adds meaning to the work we do!”
- Vawn, Assistant Nurse Manager (2015)

“Since introducing the Period of PURPLE Crying program to our community in 2008, I have had a lot of positive feedback. People who had ‘high criers’ were relieved to know they weren't doing anything wrong. The most frequent thing I hear from the community is 'I wish I would have known this when my kids were babies.' Facilities worry about the increase in the cost and the time to deliver the information. $2 per family is a small cost for the thousands of dollars it costs to care for children with Abusive Head Trauma injuries. The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome has professionally developed the training and support for your staff to understand the evidence behind the Period of PURPLE Crying, provided free of charge to your organization.”
-Teriesa, Birthplace Manager (2015)

“Healthcare providers are in the perfect position to remind parents of the information they received at the hospital because they are supporting parents when their infants are at the age when they may cry increasingly more and the crying is more difficult to soothe…As more healthcare providers join the effort to bring the PURPLE program to parents, we grow closer to our vision of a generation of children free from harm.”
- Maria, MSS (2016)

“We hope to help parents develop a plan should they feel frustrated or in need of support. Providing this program in the outpatient and community setting lets parents know that their providers are here for them as a resource and encourages parents to reach out to us for help if and when they need to.”
- Melissa, RN, MSN (2016)

“There is a big learning curve when you become a parent – the transition is often challenging. Sharing information about PURPLE not only reinforces what is taught in hospitals about infant crying, but also empowers parents by teaching ways to soothe their infant and manage infant crying.”
- Amy, RN (2016)