Arpen Childbirth Education Film Collection

Contents are 16mm films of varying length with color and sound, focusing on childbirth education and produced by entities such as Centre Productions, Inc., Courter Films and Associates, the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, and the Department of Medical Communications at Temple University Health Science Center. Topics addressed include natural childbirth, nutrition, alcohol and tobacco use, breastfeeding, and ceasarean section. Many of the titles illustrate how to maintain a healthy pregnancy through diet and exercise and discuss common complications women face during pregnancy. Some titles focus on the delivery-room experience, or aspects of life once a baby is born, including post-partum depression. The perspective and experience of both mother and father are considered. *If a title includes an asterisk, it has been further processed and may be available in the NLM Digital Repository.

Produced by J. Hathaway Production Services and Cinema Medica.

The film depicts five couples as they participate in shared natural childbirth. Film emphasizes the delivery experience from the perspective of the parents.

Produced by Pennsylvania State University's Division of Biological Health, the College of Human Development, and Division of Instructional Services. Written by Carole L. Christopher.

This film is part of an accredited series on introductory principles of nutrition. It examines nutrition as a key factor affecting fetal health and outcomes in pregnancy. Subjects include physiological adjustments, pregnancy during adolescence, physiological and psychological aspects of lactation, interviews with nutrition experts, stages of fetal growth, and nutrient needs.

Produced by National Foundation/March of Dimes

This film discusses recommended foods to eat during pregnancy, especially to manage conditions such as heartburn or morning sickness. Women are shown in labor, and the film concludes by talking about the advantages of breastfeeding.

Produced by Temple University Health Sciences Center.

The film shows a woman named Lynn during natural childbirth, being coached by her husband during labor and the delivery of their daughter, Erika.

Published by Parenting Pictures. Written by Courter Films and Associates.

This film examines natural childbirth and parent-child relations.

Produced by Parenting Pictures.

This film provides practical information about the breastfeeding experience, chronicling a breastfeeding mother and child from birth through weaning.

Produced by Courtier Films and Associates.

This film features six families describing their experiences with newly arrived infants.

Produced by Centre Productions

This film looks at pregnancy and birth through the eyes of Nicholas, who becomes a big brother to a sister.

Produced by Parenting Pictures

This film documents four consecutive births on Saturday, June 12, in a Florida hospital. The labors and births that occurred within a 20-hour period were only edited for length and clarity.

Produced by New Day Films. Written and directed by Kristine Samuelson.

This film documents the challenges of first-time parents. It covers topics such as breastfeeding, physical recovery from birth, infant fussiness, sexuality, marital disagreements, the role of fathers, and single parenthood.

Produced by Professional Research, Inc.

The film documents the experience of two couples having a caesarean birth. Their stories are told through graphic footage, medical art, and animation.

Produced by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Nurses' Association, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Polymorph Films, Inc. Written and directed by Alexandra Dane Dor-Ner.

Part 1 of this film examines the sensory possibilities in a fetus and newborn, especially how a newborn's behavior can be influenced by sense perception and prenatal care received by the mother.

Produced by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Nurses' Association, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Polymorph Films, Inc. Written and directed by Alexandra Dane Dor-Ner.

Part 2 discusses means of parental stimulation, interaction, and responsiveness to the infant's developing senses, as well as the importance of reciprocity and care in newborn development.

Produced by March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation.

The film shows and discusses fetal development relating to maternal alcohol and tobacco use as well as nutrition.

Produced by Frank Vitale, the Public Health Education Representative of the March of Dimes. Written by Barbara Hard.

This film emphasizes that the health of babies depends on the well-being of their mothers. It features one mother who drank alcohol throughout her pregnancies and caused harm to her children, and a teenage girl who is taking responsibility for her own health in hopes it will have a positive impact on her infant.

Produced by Centre Films.

The film follows a couple during the last two months of pregnancy as the couple prepares for a natural childbirth. Both natural and caesarean births are shown.

Produced by Polymorph Films, Inc. Written by Lisa A. McElaney.

This documentary depicts the birth experiences of four couples. It shows the stages of labor as well as a variety of labor and delivery techniques.

Produced by Parenting Pictures.

The film shows parents who unexpectedly must deliver their children via caesarean section, a group session where caesarean births are discussed, and Dr. Richard A. Stewart who talks about the risks of having a caesarean section as well as noting the different ways anesthesia can be administered to the mother before her surgery.