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Family Spirit Nurture

Sarah Vanegas, MS, Lisa Jim, and Leonela Nelson, MPH

Sarah Vanegas, MS, Lisa Jim, and Leonela Nelson, MPH

This course is designed for health educators and home visitors serving families with infants 0-6 months old. Learners will gain knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on healthy infant nutrition and growth as well as maternal and family nutrition. This course is uniquely tailored towards Indigenous families and approaches nutrition through a strengths-based lens connecting to Indigenous foods and Native Foodways.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Promoting Healthy Nutrition for Infants and Families

How can health educators have meaningful discussions with families around nutrition and healthy eating? A careful approach that connects families to strengths and culture can open the door for success. We explore a strengths-based approach, connecting to Native Foodways and Indigenous foods, and four brief techniques of motivational interviewing specific to promoting healthy nutrition choices.

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores infant nutrition, which is critical for a baby's growth and development

Emphasizes a strengths-based approach to working with Indigenous families, showcasing a positive approach

Provides practical tips and techniques for health educators to promote healthy nutrition choices

Offers insights into baby personalities and feeding styles, aiding caregivers in fostering healthy eating habits

Covers basic nutrition knowledge, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for health educators

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Reviews summary

Culturally relevant family nutrition & well-being

According to learners, "Family Spirit Nurture" is a highly valuable course, particularly for health educators and home visitors working with Indigenous families. Students praise its strengths-based approach and deep connection to Native Foodways and Indigenous foods, making it incredibly culturally relevant and impactful. Many found the content practical and immediately applicable, especially the motivational interviewing techniques and guidance on infant and family nutrition. While some acknowledge its specialized focus, its comprehensive coverage, including caregiver mental health, is consistently highlighted as a strength, equipping professionals with holistic strategies for nurturing healthy family environments.

Highly specialized for Indigenous contexts, less general.

"While highly specific to Indigenous families, for me, this was precisely why it was so valuable."

"Prospective students should know this course is tailored for a specific cultural context, which is its strength but not for general audiences."

"As a health educator outside Indigenous communities, I still learned a lot, but its primary value is clearly for those specific settings."

Well-organized and easy to follow modules.

"The modules are well-organized and easy to follow, even with complex topics."

"I found the explanations clear and concise, making the learning process very smooth."

"The way the information is presented makes it highly digestible and engaging."

Covers a wide range from infant to caregiver well-being.

"I appreciated how the course covers everything from basic nutrition principles to understanding baby personalities and caregiver mental health."

"It's a really well-rounded curriculum that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of family well-being."

"The syllabus promises a lot, and the course delivers on comprehensive topics relevant to infant and family health."

Provides actionable strategies for health educators.

"I've already started using the motivational interviewing techniques in my home visits; they're very effective."

"The tips on starting solid foods and understanding baby's feeding cues are incredibly useful."

"This course provided me with actionable strategies that I can immediately apply in my role as a health educator."

Deeply valuable for working with Indigenous communities.

"The focus on Native Foodways and Indigenous foods is a game-changer for my practice."

"I really valued the strengths-based approach; it changed how I engage with families."

"This course is truly unique in its cultural sensitivity, making it directly relevant to the communities I serve."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Family Spirit Nurture with these activities:

Review infant nutrition basics

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Review the basics of infant nutrition to ensure a strong foundation for understanding the course material.

Browse courses on Infant Nutrition

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Read through the provided resources on infant nutrition.
Create a summary of the key points covered in the resources.
Identify any areas where you need further clarification.

Review basic nutrition principles

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Strengthen your foundational knowledge of nutrition to better grasp the concepts covered in this course.

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Recall the fundamentals of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals).
Review the concepts of energy balance and calorie needs.
Familiarize yourself with the different food groups and their nutritional contributions.

Join a study group for the course

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Join a study group to engage with peers, discuss course material, and reinforce your understanding.

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Find a study group that aligns with your schedule and learning style.
Attend study group meetings regularly.
Participate actively in discussions and ask questions.

Eight other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all 11 activities

Explore infant nutrition resources

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Familiarize yourself with reputable sources of information on infant nutrition to supplement your learning in this course.

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Visit the websites of organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization for infant nutrition guidelines.
Read articles and blog posts from registered dietitians and other experts in the field.
Watch videos and attend webinars on infant nutrition topics.

Form a study group

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Collaborate with classmates to reinforce your understanding of infant nutrition concepts and support each other's learning journey.

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Connect with other students in the course through online forums or social media groups.
Schedule regular virtual or in-person meetings to discuss course materials and practice applying concepts.
Share resources, ask questions, and provide feedback to enhance everyone's learning experience.

Practice identifying healthy and unhealthy foods for infants

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Practice identifying healthy and unhealthy foods for infants to improve your ability to provide appropriate nutritional guidance.

Browse courses on Infant Nutrition

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Gather a list of common foods for infants.
Classify each food as healthy or unhealthy based on its nutritional content.
Discuss your findings with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.

Watch videos on breastfeeding techniques

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Watch videos on breastfeeding techniques to gain practical knowledge and improve your ability to support breastfeeding mothers.

Browse courses on Breastfeeding

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Search for reputable videos on breastfeeding techniques.
Watch the videos and take notes on key points.
Practice the techniques shown in the videos with a healthcare professional or lactation consultant.

Compose a nutrition plan for an infant

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Apply your knowledge of infant nutrition to create a personalized plan that meets the specific needs of an infant.

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Gather information about the infant's age, weight, activity level, and any special dietary considerations.
Calculate the infant's calorie and nutrient needs using appropriate guidelines.
Create a sample menu that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods from all food groups.

Solve infant feeding case studies

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Test your ability to apply infant nutrition principles to real-world scenarios, enhancing your problem-solving and decision-making skills.

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Read case studies that present common infant feeding challenges or scenarios.
Identify the nutritional issues and develop appropriate recommendations.
Evaluate the effectiveness of your recommendations and consider alternative approaches.

Assist at a local WIC clinic

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Gain hands-on experience in infant nutrition counseling and support families in making informed feeding decisions.

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Contact your local WIC clinic to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Receive training on WIC nutrition guidelines and counseling techniques.
Assist families with infant nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to community resources.

Design an infant nutrition education brochure

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Create a visually appealing and informative resource that can be used to educate families about infant nutrition and promote healthy feeding practices.

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Gather key information on infant nutrition, including feeding guidelines, nutrient recommendations, and common feeding challenges.
Organize the information into a clear and concise format, using visuals and easy-to-understand language.
Design the brochure using a visually appealing layout and engaging graphics.

Career center

Learners who complete Family Spirit Nurture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers provide support and education to individuals and families in their communities. They help people access health care and other resources, and they work to improve the health of the community. The Family Spirit Nurture course may be useful for Community Health Workers who work with families with infants, as it provides information on infant nutrition, breastfeeding, and family nutrition. The course also discusses the importance of connecting with families through a strengths-based approach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Worker

Early Intervention Specialist

Early Intervention Specialists work with infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or disabilities. They provide early intervention services to help children reach their full potential. The Family Spirit Nurture course may be useful for Early Intervention Specialists who work with infants, as it provides information on infant nutrition, breastfeeding, and family nutrition. The course also discusses the importance of connecting with families through a strengths-based approach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Early Intervention Specialist

Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teachers teach children with disabilities. They provide instruction and support to help children learn and reach their full potential. The Family Spirit Nurture course may be useful for Special Education Teachers who work with infants, as it provides information on infant nutrition, breastfeeding, and family nutrition. The course also discusses the importance of connecting with families through a strengths-based approach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Special Education Teacher

Pediatrician

Pediatricians provide medical care to infants, children, and adolescents. They diagnose and treat illnesses, and they provide preventive care to help children stay healthy. The Family Spirit Nurture course may be useful for Pediatricians, as it provides information on infant nutrition, breastfeeding, and family nutrition. The course also discusses the importance of connecting with families through a strengths-based approach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pediatrician

Family Physician

Family Physicians provide medical care to individuals and families of all ages. They diagnose and treat illnesses, and they provide preventive care to help people stay healthy. The Family Spirit Nurture course may be useful for Family Physicians who work with families with infants, as it provides information on infant nutrition, breastfeeding, and family nutrition. The course also discusses the importance of connecting with families through a strengths-based approach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Family Physician

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioners provide medical care to individuals and families of all ages. They diagnose and treat illnesses, and they provide preventive care to help people stay healthy. The Family Spirit Nurture course may be useful for Nurse Practitioners who work with families with infants, as it provides information on infant nutrition, breastfeeding, and family nutrition. The course also discusses the importance of connecting with families through a strengths-based approach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse Practitioner

Certified Lactation Counselor

Certified Lactation Counselors help mothers breastfeed their babies. They provide education and support to mothers, and they help them overcome breastfeeding challenges. The Family Spirit Nurture course may be useful for Certified Lactation Counselors, as it provides information on breastfeeding, infant nutrition, and family nutrition. The course also discusses the importance of connecting with families through a strengths-based approach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Certified Lactation Counselor

Childbirth Educator

Childbirth Educators teach expectant parents about pregnancy, labor, and delivery. They provide information and support to parents, and they help them prepare for the birth of their baby. The Family Spirit Nurture course may be useful for Childbirth Educators, as it provides information on infant nutrition, breastfeeding, and family nutrition. The course also discusses the importance of connecting with families through a strengths-based approach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Childbirth Educator

Doula

Doulas provide physical and emotional support to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. They help women cope with the pain of labor, and they provide information and support to families. The Family Spirit Nurture course may be useful for Doulas, as it provides information on infant nutrition, breastfeeding, and family nutrition. The course also discusses the importance of connecting with families through a strengths-based approach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Doula

Home Visitor

Home Visitors visit families with young children to provide support and education. They help families meet their basic needs, and they provide information on child development, nutrition, and parenting. The Family Spirit Nurture course may be useful for Home Visitors, as it provides information on infant nutrition, breastfeeding, and family nutrition. The course also discusses the importance of connecting with families through a strengths-based approach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Home Visitor

Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurses work in a variety of settings, including community health centers, schools, and workplaces. They provide health education and counseling to individuals and groups, and they work to improve the health of the community. The Family Spirit Nurture course may be useful for Public Health Nurses who work with families with infants, as it provides information on infant nutrition, breastfeeding, and family nutrition. The course also discusses the importance of connecting with families through a strengths-based approach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse

Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and counseling to individuals and families. They help people cope with challenges, and they develop and implement programs to help people improve their lives. The Family Spirit Nurture course may be useful for Social Workers who work with families with infants, as it provides information on infant nutrition, breastfeeding, and family nutrition. The course also discusses the importance of connecting with families through a strengths-based approach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Counselor

Counselors provide support and counseling to individuals and families. They help people cope with challenges, and they develop and implement programs to help people improve their lives. The Family Spirit Nurture course may be useful for Counselors who work with families with infants, as it provides information on infant nutrition, breastfeeding, and family nutrition. The course also discusses the importance of connecting with families through a strengths-based approach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor

Registered Dietitian

Registered Dietitians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. They provide medical nutrition therapy to individuals and groups, and they develop and implement nutrition education programs. The Family Spirit Nurture course may be useful for Registered Dietitians who work with families with infants, as it provides information on infant nutrition, breastfeeding, and family nutrition. The course also discusses the importance of connecting with families through a strengths-based approach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Dietitian

Nutritionist

Nutritionists provide nutrition counseling and education to individuals and groups. They help people make healthy food choices, and they develop and implement nutrition programs. The Family Spirit Nurture course may be useful for Nutritionists who work with families with infants, as it provides information on infant nutrition, breastfeeding, and family nutrition. The course also discusses the importance of connecting with families through a strengths-based approach.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nutritionist

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Family Spirit Nurture.

Cover image

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Caring for Your School-Age Child, 3rd Edition

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Provides evidence-based recommendations and practical guidance on promoting healthy nutrition in infants and families. Serves as a valuable resource for health educators and professionals working in the field of nutrition.

Caring for Your School-Age Child, 3rd Edition: Ages...

Cover image

Cover image

Rickets, Race and Reproduction

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Provides a comprehensive overview of maternal and child nutrition, covering topics such as nutrient requirements, feeding practices, and common nutritional issues. Serves as a valuable reference for professionals working with families with infants.

Rickets, Race and Reproduction: Contracted Pelvis...

Rickets, Race and Reproduction: Contracted Pelvis...

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Cover image

Motivational Interviewing

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Provides a practical guide to using motivational interviewing techniques in the context of nutrition and health care. Helps health educators effectively engage families in discussions around nutrition and healthy eating.

Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change...

Motivational Interviewing in Health Care: Helping...

Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change,...

Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for...

Motivational Interviewing in Health Care: Helping...

Motivational Interviewing in the Treatment of...

Finding Your Way to Change: How the Power of...

(Deutsch) Motivierende Gesprächsführung: Motivational...

Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People to...

Motivational Interviewing in the Treatment of...

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Cover image

Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding

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Offers a comprehensive overview of the importance of the first 1000 days of life for a child's development and provides practical guidance on nutrition, feeding practices, and other relevant topics.

Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding

Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding

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Behind the Green Piano

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Offers practical tips and advice for parents of infants from birth to 12 months, including discussions on nutrition, feeding, and other relevant topics.

Behind the Green Piano

Behind the Green Piano

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Mental Health Nursing

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Provides a comprehensive guide to counseling breastfeeding mothers, covering topics such as breastfeeding techniques, common challenges, and nutrition.

Mental Health Nursing

Neeb's Mental Health Nursing

Neeb's Mental Health Nursing

Neeb's Mental Health Nursing

Neeb's Fundamentals of Mental Health Nursing

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Cover image

Textbook of Clinical Pediatrics

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Provides a comprehensive overview of pediatrics, covering topics such as nutrition, growth and development, and common childhood illnesses.

Textbook of Clinical Pediatrics (6 Volume Set)

Textbook of Clinical Pediatrics

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Best of Arizona

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Provides insights into the cultural influences on food and nutrition practices, with a focus on how culture shapes food choices and dietary patterns.

Arizona's best recipes: Chef's recipes from...

Unknown Binding

Best of Arizona: Recipes from Arizona's Favorite...

Cover image

Cover image

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to nutrition and healthy eating, covering topics such as food groups, nutrient requirements, and dietary guidelines. Serves as a useful reference for health educators and professionals working in the field of nutrition.

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Effort

6 hours to complete

Level

Introductory

Via

Coursera

Institution

Johns Hopkins University

Instructors

Sarah Vanegas, MS

Lisa Jim

Leonela Nelson, MPH

Language

English

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores infant nutrition, which is critical for a baby's growth and development

Emphasizes a strengths-based approach to working with Indigenous families, showcasing a positive approach

Provides practical tips and techniques for health educators to promote healthy nutrition choices

Offers insights into baby personalities and feeding styles, aiding caregivers in fostering healthy eating habits

Covers basic nutrition knowledge, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for health educators

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