National Nutrition Month: Supporting Healthy Families from the Start

marketing intern on March 16, 2026

National Nutrition Month Underscores the Critical Role of Early Nutrition in Supporting Healthy Families from the Start 

In recognition of National Nutrition Month, Family Connects International (FCI) is highlighting the essential role nutrition plays in early childhood development—and the importance of supporting parents with trusted, evidence-based guidance during the postpartum period. 

Nutrition in the first weeks and months of life is foundational to infant brain development, physical growth, immune health, and long-term well-being. At the same time, new parents—particularly mothers recovering from childbirth—often face nutritional challenges of their own, including fatigue, food insecurity, lack of support, and limited access to reliable information. 

Family Connects International addresses these challenges through its universal, evidence-based nurse home visiting model, in which registered nurses support families shortly after birth—helping parents understand both their newborn’s nutritional needs and their own. 

“Nutrition is not just about feeding—it’s about supporting healthy development, recovery, and confidence during a critical life transition,” said Jade Woodard, Executive Director of Family Connects International. Our nurses help families navigate nutrition with clarity, compassion, and practical guidance.” 

We can support Newborn Nutrition and Early Development by: 

  • Provide education on infant feeding, including breastfeeding, formula feeding, and responsive feeding practices 
  • Help parents understand hunger cues, growth patterns, and developmental milestones 
  • Address common concerns such as feeding challenges, weight gain, and sleep-nutrition connections 
  • Reinforce evidence-based guidance while respecting family preferences and cultural practices 

It’s important to remember, however, that healthy newborn development starts with supporting parents and their nutritional and well-being needs. It’s important to: 

  • Discuss nutritional needs for recovery, energy, and mental health 
  • Screen for food insecurity and access barriers 
  • Connect families to community nutrition supports such as WIC, SNAP, food pantries, and primary care 
  • Reinforce nourishment as a core component of caregiver well-being 

“Parents want to do the best for their babies, but they also need support themselves,” said Alain Glen, Chief of Nursing at FCI. “When caregivers are nourished, informed, and supported, the whole family benefits.” 

Nutrition education and access are powerful tools for prevention—reducing stress, supporting mental health, and strengthening family stability. By integrating nutrition guidance into a holistic postpartum visit, the Family Connects model helps reduce preventable health concerns, improve connections to primary and preventive care, and advance equity by ensuring all families receive support. 

This National Nutrition Month, Family Connects International calls on health systems, policymakers, funders, and community partners to recognize early nutrition education as a cornerstone of maternal and infant health—and to invest in nurse-led, preventive models that support families where they are. 

“Nutrition is one of the earliest investments we can make in a child’s future,” said Jade Woodard. “When families are supported with knowledge and connection, outcomes improve for generations.”