Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies II: Information for Somali Families During and After Pregnancy

In this program, we hear the story of several young couples' experiences giving birth and raising families in the United States. As the friends share their stories, we learn how each family stays healthy both during and after pregnancy. Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies II is an extension of the first Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies" program. This updated version about childbirth in the U.S. works to bridge the language and cultural gap between Somali patients and health care providers by: 1) Explaining the health advantages, religious support, and methods of child spacing (family planning), 2) Discussing the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers, babies, and families, 3) Illustrating healthy nutrition and exercise habits during and after pregnancy, 4) Demystifying beliefs about C-sections in the U.S., 5)Increasing health care practitioners' knowledge regarding Somali concerns about childbirth practices. The video is in Somali with English subtitles. The underlying theme is to promote shared learning and respect for the beliefs and practices of both cultures so that the childbirth experience can be healthy, safe, and positive.