I was involved with this program at one time but that was several years ago, 
so I don't know if things have changed. I've attended several sessions and 
worked with the founder of the program. While I think there is a lot of good 
in the program, and lots of potential, I did have some concerns.

One is that if the mother is breastfeeding, a note is sent home to all the 
parents about this. If any parents object to the possibility of their 
children seeing breastfeeding, those children will either be excluded or the 
mother will be asked not to breastfeed in front of the children at all. I 
felt that this conveyed that breastfeeding is something weird or potentially 
obscene, since no similar note was sent home if the baby was bottlefed. The 
program is supposed to be pro-breastfeeding but I think this subtle message 
outweighs any comments on "benefits of breastfeeding."

Secondly, there is quite a bit of emphasis on babies having "lovies." The 
program promotes all babies having a blanket or stuffed animal or something 
to cuddle with - and doesn't even address the option that the baby is with 
mom pretty much all the time and doesn't need something to substitute for 
her. This is probably related to the fact that the program also emphasizes 
babies sleeping alone in a crib, and absolutely no bedsharing.

I very much like the idea of babies in classrooms, and I do think they can 
help connect children with their emotions and with understanding human 
development. But some of the things that are emphasized I would not agree 
with. I think the program would be better if the children simply had the 
chance to observe and interact with babies and mothers, without the 
structured lessons.

Teresa Pitman 

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