Local physical therapist completes new book for parents

MADISON – A practicing physical therapist and author, Stephanie Johnson has completed an updated version on subject matter that she released 10 years ago. Parents and any caregivers for infants can learn from “The Truth About Tummy Time: A Parent’s Guide to Safe Sleeping Practices.”

Johnson’s book contains important details on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS, safe sleeping practices, use of car seats, plus more updated information on leading theories of SIDS and an in-depth look at common questions that new parents have about promoting development while keeping baby safe.

Since the book’s original publication 10 years ago, new theories on SIDS have arisen. “Medical research has advanced to save more lives,” Johnson said. “The ‘Back to Sleep’ program was replaced by the ‘Safe to Sleep’ campaign, shifting the emphasis to a safe sleep environment for infants.”

This easy-to-read, concise guide simplifies heavy medical jargon in easy-to-understand terms.

Johnson also has gained 10 years’ additional experience through clinical practice with pediatrics patients. “I wanted to include that knowledge in the new book to help parents and caregivers promote development in the children they care for while keeping them safe,” she said.

The book’s target audience includes new parents, veteran parents who are still in their childbearing years, grandparents who are caring for their grandchildren and any caregiver who regularly cares for infants, Johnson said. The book’s new information is beneficial for both new and previous readers.

Do parents need to read the book’s new version? “If they’re still caring for infants, absolutely!” Johnson said.

Since Johnson’s first book was published, instances of SIDS have decreased. “Since the Back to Sleep campaign in the 1990s, proper coding of the SIDS diagnosis has been streamlined,” Johnson said. “With the decrease in the SIDS diagnosis, a steady rise in the diagnosis of accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed (has increased), making the Safe to Sleep message more important than ever.”

Johnson has spent her career as an advocate for safe-sleeping practices. In 2012, she was named a Safe Sleep Champion by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Stephanie works as a physical therapist at Compass Physical Therapy in Madison. Her husband Michael Johnson owns Mozaic Inc. and works as a Systems Designer. The Johnsons have four children: Jacob, 20; Weston, 19; Parker, 16; and Jake, 15.

The updated edition of “The Truth About Tummy Time: A Parent’s Guide to Safe Sleeping Practices” is available as an e-Book or paperback on Amazon.com.

For more information, call 256-325-4903, email stephanie@compassptinc.com or visit CompassPTinc.com, Facebook/PTCompass or Instagram @PTCompass.