Postpartum Helper Controversy for Shaking 18-Day-Old Newborn Upside Down 'Abuse'

A video showing a postpartum helper in her 50s abusing an 18-day-old newborn by holding and shaking the baby upside down. Photo by SBS Broadcast Screen Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] A controversy has arisen after a postpartum caregiver in her 50s was caught on camera abusing an 18-day-old newborn by holding and shaking the baby upside down.

According to an SBS report on the 14th, a postpartum caregiver hired through a government support service at a private residence was recorded abusing the newborn on a closed-circuit television (CCTV) installed inside the house, prompting the police to launch an investigation.

The caregiver was seen holding the baby's feet and shaking the infant upside down, as well as forcefully shoving a feeding bottle into the baby's mouth and neglecting the child. When the baby, who had lost the bottle, continued to cry, the caregiver angrily pushed the bottle back in and then ignored the baby while eating snacks and looking at her phone.

She also roughly laid the baby down on a cushion and violently shook the baby's head. The abuse occurred during a 20-minute period when the baby's mother was away.

The baby's mother reportedly installed the CCTV after being alarmed by the caregiver's statement that "if the baby cries when the mother is out, the baby should be punished."

The baby has since been refusing to eat well and bruises suspected to be from the abuse were found on the baby's side. The infant is currently undergoing detailed examinations at a university hospital.

The police have booked the postpartum caregiver on charges including physical abuse under the Child Welfare Act and are conducting an investigation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.