Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that the newborn babies featured in this reality series are often shown still covered with birthing matter right after they're born; although the shots can be slightly graphic, they're not usually close up. Also, younger viewers may be upset by the complications that sometimes occur in the delivery room, which potentially put the mother and/or baby in peril. Young children should definitely have an adult present while watching the show to provide guidance and explain what's happening in certain scenes. But overall, this is a great family show that could be used as a springboard to talk to little kids about where babies come from.
Families can talk about where babies come from and how they enter the world. How and where does a baby's life begin? Where does the baby grow, and how long before it's ready to be born? How do parents find out ahead of time whether their baby will be a boy or a girl? What happens when the baby is ready to be born? What's involved in taking care of a newborn baby?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Larisa Wiseman
A BABY STORY gives viewers a privileged inside peek at the lives of couples who are expecting a child. From the joys and trials of pregnancy to the baby's delivery, the show captures many special moments in this often-challenging but undeniably amazing time.
Each episode follows a couple as they prepare for their baby's arrival. Many different situations are presented -- the pregnancy may be completely normal, or complications may crop up before or during the birth. The couple may be having an at-home birth with a midwife, a water birth, or a planned C-section. It may be their first child, or they may already be experienced parents. They may even be facing an unexpected pregnancy or have finally conceived after struggling with infertility.
Viewers learn a little bit about each couple -- their background, how they met, what kind of work they do, and so on. Every so often, the parents-to-be sit down in front of the camera, together or individually, and share their emotions about the upcoming event; often, it's excitement mixed with a bit of anxiety that something will go wrong, or that they won't know how to care for their infant.
The camera is also standing by to capture the thrilling, nerve-wracking moments leading up to the baby's delivery -- whether the mom-to-be is preparing for a C-section or experiences sudden labor pains or complications. No matter what the circumstances, the camera follows the action. Viewers get to share in the moment when the baby utters its first cry right after emerging from the womb and witness the joy and relief on the parents' faces when everything turns out OK.
For any parent worried that the series may expose young children to a little too much a little too early, rest assured that the camera is installed near the mother's head during delivery, not at her feet -- so viewers don't get the same perspective as the doctors and nurses. And the birth footage is only slightly graphic; the baby -- still covered in bloody mucus -- is typically held up for the parents (and the camera) to see as soon as it's born, but it's usually not a close-up shot.
This is a wonderful show for the whole family to watch, and a great way to start teaching preschoolers about the facts of life and how miraculous childbirth can be. If you're a parent or have experienced childbirth yourself, you may find yourself getting teary-eyed each time that tiny, helpless human being makes its first appearance and is presented to beaming parents.
Families may also enjoy Caught in the Moment, an educational series that teaches the facts of life in the animal kingdom.
Rate It!
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ViolenceNo violence, but some of the births can have complications, and babies are often shown covered in birthing matter. |
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Social BehaviorCouples and family members are shown being supportive of each other during what can be a difficult and exhausting time. |
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