Rashi, the 13th century French commentator, informs us that Shifrah was a second name for Yocheved, Moshe's mother. She was called Shifrah (from the Hebrew root "L'shahper" -- to make better) because she did things for the betterment of the infants in her care. Puah was another name for Miriam, Moshe's sister. She was called Puah because of the comforting sounds ("poo poo") she would make to the infants as mothers do to calm a crying baby.

Rabbi Yeruchem Levovitz of the Mir Yeshiva commentes that when the Torah calls someone by a certain name it is because that name represents the essence of the person. The fact that Yocheved and Miriam were called by the names showing how they helped the infants both physically and emotionally means that this was an integral part of their very being. Yocheved and Miriam have a special place in the Torah as Shifrah and Puah for their compassion for babies.

When you experience love and compassion for others, you are emulating the attributes of the Almighty. The greater your act of kindness the more elevated you become. An infant or young child who experiences warmth and love grows up to be a more loving person. This early conditioning will have life-long positive effects. Such a child will find it much easier to feel love for the Almighty and love for his fellow man. Whenever you make a young child feel good, be aware of the extent of your kindness. The deeper your appreciation for the kindness you are doing, the more elevated you become.

The Torah states,
"And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the Nile, and her maidens walked along by the side of the Nile; and she saw the box (containing Moses) amongst the rushes. And she stretched out her arm and she took it." (Exodus 2:5)
What lesson is there for us in her action?