Nutrient requirements are high during pregnancy, and while many women may strive to meet these requirements through food, even those with a mindful diet can fall short of meeting both their own needs and the needs of their growing baby. That’s where Certified Nutrition Consultants come in.

In module 1, we cover all of the necessary nutrients for each stage of pregnancy. You’ll learn the role that each nutrient plays in the health of mother and baby, plus the potential risks of deficiencies. We explore the best food sources of each nutrient and how to tell if your client is confidently consuming adequate amounts through food alone, or if additional supplementation may be necessary.

While we always aim to nourish with foods first, sometimes high-quality supplementation can be very beneficial. This is especially true during pregnancy when nutrient needs are so high.

Supplementation should always be considered on an as-needed, individual basis. In module 2, you’ll discover how to create a personalized supplement protocol that’s mindfully crafted for each unique client. We discuss the recommended dosages to meet daily requirements during pregnancy and how to adjust all recommendations to accommodate various dietary preferences.

We also demystify the various forms of nutrients found in supplements and which forms are most bioavailable (easy to digest and absorb). You’ll gain a thorough understanding of what to prioritize and how to ensure that each client is being nutritionally covered without feeling overwhelmed.

In module 3, you’ll acquire the skills to recognize and naturally support both the most common and the lesser-known conditions that can occur during pregnancy. This module also covers how to identify the main symptoms associated with each of these conditions, how common each condition is, and how to assess a client’s unique needs. We provide the tools that enable you to create a holistic protocol to support a client’s existing pregnancy condition. However, as holistic practitioners, we also have the unique opportunity to help clients reduce their risk of developing common pregnancy conditions before they even develop.

Getting a clear understanding of what to avoid in pregnancy can be very confusing. Much of the conventional and anecdotal advice we’re commonly exposed to is rooted in fear-based recommendations. Module 4 provides you with evidence-based strategies to support clients in reducing their risks while keeping their health and safety in mind.

This module explores current research and traditional wisdom to uncover the truth about exactly what specific foods, beverages, herbs, and substances carry the highest potential risk in pregnancy. You’ll learn about the various foodborne illnesses and their associated risk factors for both mother and baby.

We also challenge conventions to reveal certain foods that pregnant women are commonly advised to avoid, when avoidance is unnecessary. In some cases, avoiding some of these foods could potentially do more harm than good.

There is an unparalleled power that comes from birth when a woman feels safe and supported. Module 5 instills you with the knowledge necessary to help provide this support to mothers and assist them in making informed decisions about their birth.

Contrary to conventional belief, there is a lot that can (and should) be done to naturally support the biological birth process and increase the likelihood of better outcomes for both mothers and babies. We explore the vastly underutilized role that nourishment can play in the labor process. Labor is a physical task that requires strength and stamina. Proper nourishment can provide comfort and fuel, whereas restricting food intake is proven to lead to prolonged labor and increased exhaustion.

We uncover which foods, beverages, and substances can effectively encourage the onset of labor, and which ones are considered high-risk. We also outline various strategies to greatly reduce the likelihood of unnecessary interventions, which can negatively impact the health of both mother and baby.

Each weekly module contains a mix of coursework and learning materials to help you excel in your chosen specialty. These include:

• Video lessons

• Reading material

• Client resources and handouts

• 1 assignment

• 1 quiz

Pregnancy Nutrition also includes:

• 2 Client Trials, which are key learning components of each certification course, providing you with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired by working with volunteer “clients.”

• 1 Final Exam to assess your comprehension and ensure you’ve obtained fundamental knowledge of the core concepts presented throughout the course.