MUHC ENSEMBLE
June 2004
BRINGING BABY HOME
VIDEO FOR NEW PARENTS
By Cheryl-Anne Simoneau
What happens when you combine two soon-to-be
new moms with a background in film and journalism who
find themselves in a prenatal class watching ancient
videos on child birth and child care? Well, if you are
as lucky as we are here at the
McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), you get
a brand new video, made on the premises using the latest
technology and geared to Canadian new moms to be.
Following the birth of her first child
in 1997 Lianne Castelino approached her former colleague,
and also a new mom, from CFCF-TV, Andrea Howick, to
collaborate on the video Bringing Baby Home.
The end result is an educational video that helps to
empower new parents. It has received many rave reviews
from leading pediatricians in Montreal.
Bringing Baby Home is a step-by-step
visual guide on caring for a baby from birth to six
months. It is packed with demonstrations and interviews
from some of Montréal’s leading medical experts. Dr.
Denis Leduc is the video’s medical advisor, a MUHC pediatrician
and associate professor of Pediatrics at McGill University.
His participation has ensured that all the information
contained in the video is accurate and up to date. Some
of the topics include the basics, such as anatomy, how
to hold the baby, breastfeeding, hygiene and sleep,
postpartum care, physical changes, and the impact on
the family including a segment that provides information
for fathers. Howick also points out “that it is not
just for first time parents; the video is also a great
refresher course. Castelino and Howick both agree that
the video “is like having a private prenatal class in
your own home.”
“The feedback has been phenomenally positive,”
says Castelino. “So we know our video is helping many
new parents.” The video also features a unique element
– car seat installation tips from CAA-Quebec. Because
it is available in a DVD format as well, one can quickly
navigate to the section of interest.
Most of the video was filmed at the MUHC
Royal Victoria Hospital site. Other locations include
St. Mary’s Hospital and the Sir Mortimer B. Jewish General
Hospital.
Bringing Baby Home is available
at the MUHC Royal Victoria Ross Gift Shop on Ross 1,
St. Mary’s Hospital, and at the Sir Mortimer B. Jewish
General Hospital. You can also
purchase a copy online. Cost: For non-teaching purposes,
$24.95; for use as a teaching tool in a medical clinic
or pre-natal class, $49.95; and for use as a teaching
tool in a hospital, $149.95.
Published by:Cheryl-Anne Simoneau
