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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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Brief Nutrition Basics
Everything a health educator needs to know about nutrients, food groups, and making sense out of nutrition facts labels. Also, the importance of moderating sugar intake and answers to some commonly asked questions around sugary drinks.
Infant Nutrition
Why the first few months of baby's life are critical for establishing healthy feeding patterns. How to tell if a baby is hungry or full? Why breastfeeding is about more than just providing great nutrition. Tips and tricks on starting solid foods when baby shows readiness around 6 months and what caregivers can do to set a powerful healthy eating example (teaching their child to love healthy food and drinks).
I Am Me! Baby Personalities
Understanding a baby's unique personality traits can help parenting go as smoothly as possible. How can we understand and work with each baby's feeding style? Also, we'll explore caregiver mental health and coping with challenges of parenting.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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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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
Review the basics of infant nutrition to ensure a strong foundation for understanding the course material.
Browse courses on Infant Nutrition
Show steps
  • 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
Strengthen your foundational knowledge of nutrition to better grasp the concepts covered in this course.
Show steps
  • 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
Join a study group to engage with peers, discuss course material, and reinforce your understanding.
Show steps
  • 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
Familiarize yourself with reputable sources of information on infant nutrition to supplement your learning in this course.
Show steps
  • 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
Collaborate with classmates to reinforce your understanding of infant nutrition concepts and support each other's learning journey.
Show steps
  • 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
Practice identifying healthy and unhealthy foods for infants to improve your ability to provide appropriate nutritional guidance.
Browse courses on Infant Nutrition
Show steps
  • 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
Watch videos on breastfeeding techniques to gain practical knowledge and improve your ability to support breastfeeding mothers.
Browse courses on Breastfeeding
Show steps
  • 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
Apply your knowledge of infant nutrition to create a personalized plan that meets the specific needs of an infant.
Show steps
  • 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
Test your ability to apply infant nutrition principles to real-world scenarios, enhancing your problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Show steps
  • 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
Gain hands-on experience in infant nutrition counseling and support families in making informed feeding decisions.
Show steps
  • 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
Create a visually appealing and informative resource that can be used to educate families about infant nutrition and promote healthy feeding practices.
Show steps
  • 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
Offers practical tips and advice for parents of infants from birth to 12 months, including discussions on nutrition, feeding, and other relevant topics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of pediatrics, covering topics such as nutrition, growth and development, and common childhood illnesses.
Provides insights into the cultural influences on food and nutrition practices, with a focus on how culture shapes food choices and dietary patterns.
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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