Interactive Online Program From March Of Dimes Helps New Moms And Dads Care For Their Newborn
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., JUNE 2, 2006 – “If only my baby could talk!” first-time parents sometimes say when confused or stressed out by the needs of their newborn.
These parents often feel they have nowhere to turn to answer day-to-day questions about their babies. So the March of Dimes – with the help of two nationally renowned experts on neonatal care – has produced a helpful and educational new interactive online program called “Understanding Your Newborn: Things That Make Me ME."
This unique program, available at www.marchofdimes.com/newborn, explains that newborns actually do signal their needs and feelings. The program provides detailed information on how to read the cues a baby provides when she or she is hungry, tired, doesn't feel well, or wants to play. “Understanding Your Baby” uses interactive games and tests to make it fun, and includes printable handouts on topics such as “Crying: Calming Your Baby”; “Your Baby's Reflexes”; and “Safe Sleeping for Your Baby.”
For example, the “Sleeping” module of the program explains that while a baby is sleeping, they could be in drowsy, active alert, quiet alert, active sleep, or deep sleep level. Parents learn when the baby should be allowed to sleep, when the baby can play, and when the baby is ready to feed
Games and quizzes make the program interactive and fun. If the answer is right, an image of a baby will jump and say “Correct!” or “Try again!” if the answer is wrong.
“Understanding Your Baby” was created by Susan Blackburn, PhD., RN, FAAN and Susan Bakewell-Sachs, PhD, RN, APRN, BC, and produced by the March of Dimes. It is aimed at parents of newborns up to a few months old. It includes six modules including state of awareness; infant sleep; senses; reflexes and movements; crying; and playing and break time.
