? A Bedford-Stuyvesant program for low-income, first-time mothers is teaching parents how to care for and bond with their children.

E?fae Adams Gaskin says the program has been invaluable to her and her husband, especially since her mother is not there to help. The Nurse Family Partnership provides medical care, tutoring and information about a proper infant diet. Nurses say they also guide parents on how to play with their children and to be patient. Mothers can seek help from the program until their child is two years old.

The health department introduced the program to Bed-Stuy to combat the area?s high infant mortality rate, which officials say it due to poverty and stress. Program officials plan to expand to other areas.

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