If the saying "life is fragile" holds true, then the life of a baby is extremely delicate. That's why babies need gentle care – and can't afford to be shaken.

It's part of a message from experts at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Injury Prevention Research Center and School of Medicine who is taking on a statewide shaken baby prevention project.

Health care professionals in Edgecombe County take the message that seriously, too.

Dr. Ada Williams-Wooten, a Tarboro pediatrician of 22 years, has served thousands of young children, including babies, during her tenure. She realizes how important it is to "protect them from head trauma" due to being rattled about.

According to lead investigator Dr. Heather T. Keenan, research assistant professor of social medicine at the UNC School of Medicine, it is one of the leading causes of death due to child abuse in the state. The UNC-Chapel Hill study found that an estimated 2.6 percent of children in the North Carolina were reported to have been shaken at some point before the age of 2.

Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) refers to injuries found in babies or young children who have been shaken. Subdural hematomas (bleeding on the brain) and retinal hemorrhages (bleeding behind the eyes) are the two main factors for determining whether or not a child suffers from SBS.

Williams-Wooten gave a chilling explanation of the child abuse that occurs in more severe cases; rib fractures or long-bone arm fractures may also be found. In some very severe cases, shaking "is sometimes accompanied by throwing the infant onto a hard surface."

This is called Shaken Impact Syndrome (SIS) and indicated by skull fractures in addition to other damage. Facial bruising or bruising on other grip-point parts of the body can occur with SBS/SIS depending on the severity and duration of the shaking.

Exact numbers from Edgecombe County Department of Health are unavailable regarding the incidence of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), but according to the UNC-Chapel Hill Web site, some correlations have been made related to child gender, parent age and marital status.

That is where, for residents of Edgecombe County, there may be some concern.

Infant boys born to younger, unmarried mothers faced a significantly higher likelihood of suffering serious or fatal head injuries from abuse than infant girls or children under age 2 with older, married mothers, the study showed. Infants born to non-Anglo mothers or who were first born also faced a higher risk of such injuries, scientists found.

"Also, we wanted to know which children were getting hurt," Keenan said. Approximately 30 per 100,000 children under age 1 were found to have suffered inflicted brain injuries.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services information shows that Edgecombe County has averaged approximately 150 births each year to mothers 15-19 years of age, between 2002 and 2007, and less than 48 percent are Caucasian. Some of those children are at significant risk for SBS.

According to www.stopsbs.net, SBS is preventable through adequate planning and self-control. Shaking occurs frequently when a frustrated care giver loses control with an inconsolable crying baby. It is important to realize just saying "don't shake a baby" is not enough.

Williams-Wooten offered a plan of action and suggestions to deal with the situation. Parents and other care providers need assurance that allowing a baby to cry is okay if all their needs have been met. The care provider should address their stress level and try stress management.