In the first few seconds of this video from Special Books by Special Kids, you’re immediately met with the image of a proud mom with her extremely cute toddler daughter sitting on her lap as she tells the world that Everleigh is “a miracle.”
Everleigh was shaken at just 3 months old, and her mother, Leah, wants to tell the world their story to raise awareness as well as showcase the utter love and devotion she has for her little girl.
Leah explains that shaken baby syndrome is when a caregiver forcibly shakes a baby back and forth, oftentimes when the caregiver is feeling frustrated with the small child. One of the really scary parts about shaken baby syndrome is that it can result in a traumatic brain injury.
Leah was unaware that Everleigh even had shaken baby syndrome until her doctor diagnosed her with it as she was experiencing vomiting, extreme fussiness, and inability to sleep.
When asked what the most difficult part of having a small child with shaken baby syndrome is, Leah expresses a true sense of regret. “The hardest part for me," she says, "is knowing that I wasn’t there to protect her like I should have been.”
Upon additional testing and imaging at the hospital, doctors found that there were a couple of 2 to 3 mm brain bleeds as well as blood behind Everleigh’s eyes.
After Everleigh was released from the hospital, she was placed in the care of Leah’s sister for two weeks as a part of the “safety plan” in place for babies who are diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome.
To further hear the aftermath of having a small child with shaken baby syndrome, as well as the post-traumatic stress Leah has experienced, watch the video in full.
