Extension Rural Health & Nutrition

Maternal Mental Health and Breastfeeding: Common Perinatal Mental Health Disorders (PART 2)

Maternal mental health is a nuanced topic involving many diverse factors which shapes different outcomes from woman to woman. Women with maternal mental health concerns should practice gentle care with themselves to support themselves and their babies. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Introduction Part one of this maternal mental health series introduced the perinatal mental […]

Maternal Mental Health and Breastfeeding: Understanding the Perinatal Mental Health Landscape (PART 1)

Maternal mental health is a nuanced topic involving many diverse factors which shapes different outcomes from woman to woman. Women with maternal mental health concerns should practice gentle care with themselves to support themselves and their babies. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Introduction Maternal mental health during the perinatal period, defined as the time spanning […]

Ask a CLC Blog- Infant Feeding and Sleep

Newborn feeding and sleep can be quite a mystery for new parents. Both are essential for infant wellbeing and are closely connected. In this article, we will look at the connection between infant feeding and sleep, patterns and cues to watch for, the importance of safe sleep, and the power of a bedtime routine. How […]

Ask a CLC Blog: Supportive Nutrition for Breastfeeding Moms

Introduction Postpartum maternal nutrition is a cornerstone of breastfeeding success. Breastfeeding and lactation increase a new mother’s energy and nutrient requirements, not only to produce breastmilk, but also to support her body and health during recovery from childbirth. Adequate nutrition influences the quantity of breast milk and ensures that infants receive the essential nutrients required […]

Guidelines for Proper Breast Milk Expression, Storage, and Handling

Breast milk provides complete nutrition for infants, whether a baby feeds directly at the breast or is given expressed milk. Breast milk expression is the process of removing milk using hands or a breast pump, and may be medically necessary in some situations. Premature birth, certain medical conditions, or periods of separation all may warrant […]

Ask a CLC Blog: Breastfeeding Basics

Introduction  Breastfeeding offers many benefits for both a mother and her baby. Along with being a complete source of nutrients for the baby, breastfeeding is also associated with improved health outcomes for mothers. While the benefits are clear, many new mothers face challenges when beginning their breastfeeding journey. Offering any amount of breastmilk is beneficial, […]

Understanding RSV: How to Protect Your Family and Community

Discuss RSV prevention with your provider to stay one step ahead. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank What is RSV? Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms and does not usually cause severe illness in healthy adults and children. However, […]

Healthy Choices, Successful Schools: Making Smart Snacks Work

Smart Snacks help schools support student health, improve focus, and promote lifelong healthy eating habits. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Why Smart Snacks Matter Students spend about seven hours a day at school and can get up to half of their daily calories during the school day. That means small changes in snack choices […]

Pandemic Influenza

Get Informed An influenza (flu) pandemic is a worldwide outbreak of a novel influenza virus. Novel viruses can impact populations due to a lack of immunity and access to readily available vaccines. Pandemics differ from seasonal outbreaks of influenza that occur every year. Seasonal influenza is caused by influenza virus types to which people have […]

Debunking Common Breastfeeding Myths 

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the gold standard for infant nutrition, offering important health benefits for both babies and mothers. Despite its many advantages, misinformation about breastfeeding continues to circulate, often leaving parents in uncertainty. Access to accurate, evidence-based information is essential for making informed choices. In this article, we will debunk some common myths […]