Parents: Baby Films

If you thought playing Mozart, reading books, or having a chat with an unborn baby was a silly waste of time, you might want to change your thinking. New research suggests that the womb is not a place unto itself and that baby can be affected by the outside world. While it makes sense to many that Momma’s physical health would have an effect, it now seems that her mental health and also emotions of those nearby may also influence the growing child’s development, including the most important part-the brain.

This weekend you can find out all you want to know about babies when the BABY! International Film Festival comes to town. The fest is not just about the celluloid; there will also be “leading experts and dynamic panel participants (including actor Noah Wyle, schedule permitting)” present “to explore key issues in pregnancy, birth, bonding, and breastfeeding, including baby consciousness and empowered choices.”

Film topics include healthy images of birth and parenting (What Babies Want); AIDS orphans in Africa (Angels in the Dust); birthing choices (The Birth of Sabine and Waterbirth in the 21st Century); breastfeeding (Delivery Self-Attachment, Breast Is Best, and Baby-Led Breastfeeding); and helping women in birth (It’s My Body, My Baby, My Birth and Kangaroo Mother Care).

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BABY! International Film Festival runs Fri., May 23, at 4 p.m. and Sat., May 24, at 10 a.m., at Marjorie Luke Theatre, S.B. Junior High School, 721 E. Cota St. The festival is divided into different sections with films and panel discussions. For tickets and more information, call 688-6886 or visit babyff.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.