[ATXMOM]

Has anyone had experience with shaken baby syndrome? I have the opportunity to adopt three foster kids. The youngest is 16 months old, they have been in the system for 1 year now. He has shaken baby syndrome. He had a stint put in his head to drain the fluid from his brain and he was wearing a helmet, but I am told that it is off now and his head shape is looking good. He is crawling and pulling up on things, but not walking. I don't know much more right now. Has anyone had a SBS baby that turned out to be ok?

[Lylac]

I know a little bit about SBS ROFL! I have 4 babies with brain trauma..3 of them from SBS. I'd be happy to help any way I can. First thing is NO shaken baby has turned out to be %100 ok. It will effect them somewhere. My oldest has made the most progress. It all depends on the severity of it. From what you've said so far..he's doing really well. I just got back from Fl at 4:30 this morning bringing home my 3rd shaken baby.

[Lylac]

Just wanted to add, my new lil guy also has a shunt, and has to wear a helmet when he's not being closely supervised. He can walk..but it's more of a drunk person. He falls alot, but can jump across the floor.

Shaken babies are one of my weaknesses. I would adopt all of them..if I could. But since I can't, I try to help possible adoptive parents understand what it's like to raise them. Giving support when and where I can.

Most people assume the worst when they hear SBS. Thinking that there is no quality of life for these little ones. And being straight up about it..alot of them that do live..don't have any kind of normal life. These are the most severe cases of survivors.

It's funny thinking back, that my #1 question to a caseworker about a SBS child would always be.. Can they move their arms and legs? Because if she answered yes..that meant i had something to work with.

And I'll tell you just like I've told numerous people that are interested in adopting brain trauma children. If you can take this child, just they way they are, right this minute. Never knowing if they'll make progress, but praying that they do. Possibly committing the rest of your life to this childs care..then I say go for it. But if you can't..I'd back up from it. Not trying to sound negative..just realistic.

I had my life before my kids..but now I'm living it for my kids.

[athikers]

I am foster-adopting a little boy with traumatic brain injury (not from SBS - but same result). He is a very active boy, with lots and LOTS of personality. He's just different. As Lylac said, if you are willing to except the child will be different, go for it.

My son will never be "normal"... but we hope to help him progress to as normal a life as he can.

[ATXMOM]

Thanks for telling me straight. CPS made it sound like he would eventually be normal with some work. I needed that reality check. Sadly I think that with the older two children that come with the baby and the children I already have, it would just be too much. My brother had MD, so I am no stranger to the hard work, worry, anxiety, and grief that goes along with raising a child with special needs. I'm glad I knew him and I miss him terribly but I don't want to go through that again.

[EZ2Luv]

I have no experience with this or advice except that the very first person that came to mind at the sight of this thread was Lylac.
I also want to say God Bless all of you who adopt these special children. Your all angels in my book.

EZ