New mother Laura Slack serves as the cheerful and serene host and narrator of this excellent program covering the basics of self- and baby-care during the first weeks at home. One of six moms featured (along with their husbands and infants), Slack shares advice on tending to oneself that touches on topics including proper rest, lochia (vaginal bleeding after birth), avoiding infection, after-pains, Cesarean after-care, post-partum blues, and warning signs that may require medical attention. A crash course on feeding focuses primarily on breastfeeding—frequency, latching on, determining if baby is getting enough milk, engorgement, and mastitis—with brief tips for safe formula feeding. The section on babies covers diapering, bathing, care after circumcision, indicators of illness, varieties of normal and abnormal baby stool, diaper rash, signs of jaundice, infant car seats, and reducing the risk of SIDS. Male partners model behavior such as helping with housework, engaging in conversations over anxieties, and dealing with the frustration of nonstop crying. Live-action demonstrations are combined with animated sequences, and tips are shown onscreen, along with warnings displayed using a telephone graphic that indicates when it's time to call a doctor. Also available in a Spanish language version, this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)
Mother and New Baby Care: The First Two Weeks
(2010) 34 min. DVD: $99.95: public libraries; $250: high schools, colleges & universities. InJoy. PPR. Closed captioned. Volume 26, Issue 3
Mother and New Baby Care: The First Two Weeks
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