Make Way for Baby! (Video, 1997)
Author, Anna Arenas, Producer Carlos Arenas, in collaboration with Dr. Beatriz Manrique
55 minutes. Available in Spanish or English from Amphion Communications Inc., 4701 N. Federal Highway, Suite 301-C1, Pompano Beach, FL 33064. Tel: 954-782-8668
Reviewed by Carolyn M. Dawn, M.A., Ph.D.
Palo Alto, California

Based on the work of psychologist Beatriz Manrique, this video proposes an emotional and intellectual head start in utero. Its subtitle, "Talking your way through pregnancy while improving your baby's mind" indicates the dual goal to increase communication between parents and babies and to enhance the baby's intellectual and physical abilities.

The video is predicated on cutting-edge research which finds that motor activities, linguistic development, and certain cognitive behaviors may be improved by specific prenatal practices and that early techniques stimulating memory, attention, and association learning can result in enhanced development of the child's brain. Most important is the message that is so clearly conveyed: bonding, love and well-being begin in the womb and the conscious awareness of the parents can truly improve the quality of their children's lives.

Pragmatic in approach, the video abounds with exercises and lessons. It is organized by trimesters, delineating the physical and mental capacities of the developing baby at each week or stage, and then proceeding to the exercises and interactions appropriate for those stages. Clear instructions and demonstrations enable viewers to practice as they watch.

Throughout the video, the pronoun "she" is always used for the baby. I am concerned about parents who use this language before they actually know the baby's sex. Because we now know from clinical work that babies are sensitive to their parents' approval or disapproval of their gender, it seems most respectful to refer to the baby's true gender, and if unknown, not to use either he or she.

Topics addressed in detail and clarity include: Early embryonic development of the fetus, necessity for proper diet, cultivation of healthy posture, full breathing, strengthening of muscles for nursing and delivery, communication of positive thoughts, and the facilitation of bonding. The principal message is that love, respect, stability, and well-being begin in the womb, and the conscious awareness and attention of parents can truly improve the quality of their children's lives.
 
(More information is available on-line, at Make Way for Baby.)