Nourishing Two (and Beyond): The Importance of Nutrition for Pregnancy and Baby

Pregnancy and early parenthood are times of incredible change — not just for your growing baby, but for your entire family. The nutrition choices made during these early stages can have a lifelong impact on your child’s health and development. From building a strong foundation in the womb to establishing healthy eating habits in the first year of life, good nutrition is one of the most powerful tools parents have.

At NCES, we believe that empowering mothers and caregivers with the right knowledge leads to healthier pregnancies and healthier babies. That’s why we offer a suite of beautifully designed, evidence-based resources to guide families through pregnancy, breastfeeding, and baby’s first year.

Why Nutrition Matters During Pregnancy

Pregnancy places unique nutritional demands on the body. Every bite counts — not just for maintaining your own health, but for fueling the growth of your baby’s brain, bones, and organs. Proper nutrition can:

• Support Baby’s Development – Key nutrients like folate, iron, calcium, and omega-3s help build a healthy brain, spinal cord, and skeleton.

• Promote Healthy Weight Gain – Gaining the right amount of weight reduces the risk of complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.

• Boost Mom’s Energy & Well-being – Balanced meals can ease common pregnancy discomforts like fatigue, constipation, and mood swings.

• Lower Risk of Birth Defects – Adequate folic acid intake can dramatically reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

Your Go-To Pregnancy Resource

Our NCES Foundation for a Healthy Start is a practical, visually engaging guide that covers everything expectant mothers need to know, including: 

• Balanced Eating Made Simple – Easy-to-follow recommendations on food groups, serving sizes, and how to build a healthy plate.

• Food Safety First – Clear guidelines on what to avoid (like certain fish, deli meats, and unpasteurized products) to keep both mom and baby safe.

• Healthy Weight Gain Chart – A convenient tool to help moms track their progress and stay on target based on their pre-pregnancy weight.

• Everyday Solutions – Simple strategies to manage cravings, morning sickness, and meal planning.

This double-sided handout is ideal for clinics, prenatal classes, and wellness programs, making it easy to educate moms-to-be in a single session.

Supporting the Next Stage: Baby’s First Year

Nutrition education doesn’t stop after delivery — in fact, the first year of life is critical for establishing healthy habits. Our Ready, Set, Feed Me! – A Guide to Feeding Your Baby the First Year handout helps caregivers navigate this exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) stage.

This beautifully illustrated, tri-fold handout provides:

• Clear, Stage-by-Stage Guidance – Evidence-based recommendations on when and how much to feed at every age.

• Practical Feeding Tips – Advice on introducing new foods, creating enjoyable mealtimes, and letting babies self-regulate their intake.

• Easy Distribution – Packaged in sets of 25, perfect for workshops, consultations, or community outreach.

This guide empowers caregivers with confidence and sets babies on the path to a lifetime of healthy eating.

Breastfeeding Support in the Early Weeks

For new mothers choosing to breastfeed, the first few weeks can be both rewarding and challenging. Our Ready, Set, Feed Me! – Breastfeeding Your Baby in the Early Weeks handout provides compassionate, evidence-based guidance to make the transition smoother.

Inside this vibrant tri-fold handout, moms will find:

• Answers to Common Questions – From how often to feed to signs baby is getting enough milk. 

• Comfort & Care Tips – Guidance on preventing sore nipples and managing engorgement.

• Myth-Busting – Reassurance about diet, lifestyle, and breastfeeding success.

Packaged in sets of 25, these handouts are perfect for prenatal classes, lactation consultations, or hospital discharge packets, giving mothers the tools they need to start their breastfeeding journey with confidence.

Empowering Educators, Supporting Families

Whether you’re a healthcare provider, childbirth educator, community health worker, or wellness coach, these NCES resources make it easier to educate and empower your clients. By putting clear, practical, evidence-based information into their hands, you’re helping them make informed decisions that support a healthier pregnancy, a smoother breastfeeding experience, and a thriving first year for baby.

? Explore our full collection of pregnancy and baby nutrition tools today — and give families the knowledge they need to build a healthy foundation for life.