The effectiveness of a family-centered maternity pro- gram in promoting a positive feeling toward the infant and in prepar- ing the mothers for their new role was evaluated. Seventy-three married primiparous women completed measures of anxiety and depression as well as a series of questionnaires relating to their at- titudes toward pregnancy. the baby, and the hospital experience. Statistical analyses revealed that the women in the familycentered maternity program. when compared with those in the traditional pro- gram, had a more positive attitude toward their babies while in the hospital. In addition, they reported having received more experience in caring for their babies and more help from the hospital personnel in preparing for the mothering role.