Teaching infant CPR to mothers of cocaine-positive infants.

Cocaine abuse, a major problem in our society, has increased in women of childbearing age. Because cocaine-positive infants are at greater risk for apnea/sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), their mothers need to be instructed in infant CPR. This study compared the use of a computerized interactive video learning system to the traditional infant CPR teaching method (lecture, video, and return demonstration) to determine the most effective method. This study indicated that mothers of cocaine-exposed infants can learn infant CPR in the immediate postpartum period and that the traditional method was found to be more effective. One unexpected positive outcome was the increase in these mothers' self-esteem.