Maternal and Infant Nutrition Education (MINE) Online

Illustration of a silhouetted woman holding up a baby on a blue background

Overview

Maternal and Infant Nutrition Education (MINE) Online is a self-paced introduction to nutrition during pregnancy, lactation, and infancy.  It includes approximately 6.75 hours of evidence-based content, all designed and delivered by expert registered dietitians in these fields. This course covers the foundational concepts of maternal and infant nutrition, what to expect in an uncomplicated pregnancy and typical infant development, and assessments and interventions for some of the most common nutritional problems.  MINE Online was developed with many healthcare professionals in mind, including physicians, registered dietitians, nurses, and any other healthcare professionals working with pregnant or lactating women, or infants.  After completing this program, you will be prepared to pursue education and training in these more in-depth areas.

Course Components

This course is made up of 11 modules: four on nutrition during pregnancy, four on lactation, and three on infant nutrition. An outline of the modules is listed below with an estimation of the time required to complete each. Overall, this course should take approximately 6.75 hours to complete. Actual course completion may take longer depending on how much time is spent reviewing the resources that are provided in addition to the required materials.

Within each module, you will notice several components:

  • Each module begins with a module overview where you can find the module objectives and outline of the topics covered in that module.
  • Each topic within a module has its own page.
  • On the topic pages, you will find 1-2 brief videos about the topic. These recorded lectures deliver the majority of the course content. Note that captions and transcripts are available for every video.
  • After viewing the videos, you will be prompted to complete a "Quick Check" question. These questions help us to ensure that the videos have been viewed and they must be completed before you are able to move on. 
  • Each topic contains a full bibliography for any references that we used in the videos.
  • Most topics also have additional resources. These are websites or readings that will help you with the application of what you learned in the videos.

Because the content builds on itself, you will need to progress through the modules in order. A module can be stopped and restarted at any point.

In addition to the modules, there are three case studies within the course-- one related to pregnancy, one related to lactation, and one related to infant nutrition. The case studies are not graded, but they are an opportunity to practice applying your knowledge. Each case has an answer key built in so that you can check your response against model answers.

Content Outline

  • Module 1 - Pregnancy Overview (~23 minutes)
    • Introduction to Reproduction and Fertility
    • The Placenta and Placental Transfer
    • Changes During Pregnancy
      • Metabolic changes during pregnancy
      • Changes in Fluid Volume
    • Research challenges
  • Module 2 - Fertility & Preconception (~35 minutes)
    • Diet and Fertility
    • Alcohol, Caffeine, and Fertility
    • Weight and Fertility
    • Weight Loss Interventions
    • Weight Stigma
  • Module 3 - Nutrition During Pregnancy Part 1 (~47 minutes)
    • Dietary Patterns & Energy Intake During Pregnancy
    • Size for Gestational Age
    • Recommended Weight Gain
    • Insufficient or Excessive Weight Gain
    • Macronutrient and Fluid requirements
    • Common Gastrointestinal Issues
  • Module 4 - Nutrition During Pregnancy Part 2 (~51 minutes)
    • One-carbon Nutrients
    • Micronutrients Requirements
      • Vitamins A and D
      • Calcium and Iron
      • Zinc and Iodine
    • Dietary supplements
    • Food safety
      • Part 1: Toxoplasmosis
      • Part 2: Listeria, Salmonella, and E. Coli
    • Caffeine Intake
    • Alcohol Intake
  • Pregnancy Case Study (~30 minutes)
  • Module 5 - Introduction to Lactation (~42 minutes)
    • Breastfeeding Recommendations
    • Breastfeeding-Related Public Health Goals
    • Disparities in Breastfeeding
    • Benefits for the Lactating Parent
    • Benefits for the Infant
  • Module 6 - Breastfeeding Basics (~31 minutes)
    • Anatomy and Physiology of Lactation
    • Phases of Lactation
    • Variability of Human Milk
    • Major Components of Human Milk
  • Module 7 - Nutrition During Lactation and Breastfeeding Assessment (~26 minutes)
    • Energy and Macronutrient Requirements
    • Micronutrient Requirements
    • Breastfeeding Assessment
    • Common Lactation Concerns
  • Module 8 - Galactagogues, Medications, and Drugs during Lactation (~15 minutes)
    • Galactagogues for Lactation
    • Medications During Lactation
    • Substance Use During Lactation
  • Lactation Case Study (~20 minutes)
  • Module 9 - Nutrition During Infancy (~31 minutes)
    • Overview of Infant Nutrition: First 6 months
    • Nutrition in first 6 months: Breastfeeding
    • Nutrition in first 6 months: Formula Feeding
    • Infant Nutrition: 6-12 Months
      • 6-12 months overview
      • Continued Milk Feeding and Introduction of Solids
  • Module 10 - Infant Growth Assessment (~18 minutes)
    • Overview of Infant Growth
    • Anthropometric Infant Assessment
    • Body Composition and Obesity Risk for Infants
  • Module 11 - Common Problems and Unsafe Foods during Infancy (~31 minutes)
    • Constipation, Diarrhea and Mineral Deficiencies
    • GERD and Allergies
    • Unsafe Milk and Formula
    • Unsafe Foods and Practices
  • Infant Case Study (~10 minutes)

Registration

Continuing Medical Education Credit

Accreditation Statement

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 6.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nurses and Physician Assistants

Non-physician attendance credit is provided to non-physicians who participate in activities that were designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accept certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM from organizations accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education or a recognized state medical society. It is suggested that learners check with their state licensing board to ensure it accepts reciprocity with AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for re-licensure.

Dietetic Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

This program meets the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) criteria for Activity Type 101. As such, up to 6.75 hours of continuing professional education (i.e. up to 6.75 CPEUs) can be claimed by RDNs and NDTRs. The Certificate of Completion will be available to save or print upon completion of the course.

Presenters and Planning Committee

Faculty Presenters

Sharon Groh-Wargo, PhD, RDN

Professor Emeritus, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

Dr. Groh-Wargo has over 40 years of experience as a neonatal dietitian, is a nationally known speaker and researcher, and has authored numerous publications on neonatal nutrition. She is a contributor to all three editions of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Pocket Guide to Neonatal Nutrition and authored a chapter on “Lactoengineering” for the 3rd edition of “Infant and Pediatric Feedings: Guidelines for Preparation of Human Milk and Formula in Health Care Facilities”.  She participates in the BEGIN Project – Breastmilk Ecology: Genesis of Infant Nutrition - sponsored by the NIH in cooperation with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which was convened to investigate human milk as a unique biological system. Dr. Groh-Wargo received the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Medallion Award in recognition of her professional contributions. 

Dr. Groh-Wargo, faculty for this enduring material, has received honoraria from Abbott Laboratories.  The relevant financial relationship listed has been mitigated.

Stephanie Merlino Barr, MS, RD, LD

Adjunct Instructor, Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

Neonatal Dietitian, Department of Pediatrics, MetroHealth Medical Center

Stephanie Merlino Barr, MS, RDN, LD is a Neonatal Dietitian in the Department of Pediatrics at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, OH. Stephanie is also a doctoral candidate at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine’s (CWRU SOM) Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences. Stephanie is passionate about translational research to elevate the nutritional care of critically ill infants; she is specifically interested in the utility of body composition assessment and human milk analysis in the clinical setting. Stephanie is also an Adjunct Instructor at CWRU SOM’s Department of Nutrition, where she teaches a graduate-level course on human lactation. Stephanie is an editor of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Pocket Guide to Neonatal Nutrition 3rd Edition, and a contributor to the Academy’s online Pediatric Nutrition Care Manual.

Mrs. Merlino Barr, faculty for this enduring material, is a member of the Speakers Bureaus of Abbott Laboratories, Mead Johnson & Company, and Baxter Healthcare Corporation.  All of the relevant financial relationships listed have been mitigated.

Rosanna P. Watowicz, PhD, RDN, CSOWN, LD

Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

Director of Online Programs, Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

Rosanna Watowicz is a registered dietitian and assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She also teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses within the department, including a graduate course on nutrition during pregnancy. Dr. Watowicz practiced clinically with pediatric patients and pregnant women for several years before joining the CWRU faculty and still enjoys working with patients whenever possible. Her goal is to train compassionate and evidence-based health care professionals, and her research focuses on best practices for training evidence-based clinicians in the area of obesity and beyond. Dr. Watowicz completed her undergraduate degree at Miami University in Ohio, and her master’s degree, dietetic internship, and PhD at The Ohio State University. In 2021, she was the Ohio Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Research Dietitian of the Year, and she has been nominated multiple times for University awards for teaching and mentorship.

Dr. Watowicz, faculty for this enduring material, reports no financial relationship with ineligible companies to disclose.

Planning Committee

None of the planners for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients: 

Rosanna P. Watowicz, PhD, RDN, CSOWN, LD (Activity Director)

  • Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University
  • Director of Online Programs, Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

Catherine Gaffen

  • Administrative Manager for Education, Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

Hadassah Wengert

  • Public Health Nutrition Dietetic Intern and Master's Degree Candidate, Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

Hope Barkoukis, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND

  • Chair, Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University
  • Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University
  • Jack, Joseph, Morton Mandel Professorship in Wellness & Preventative Care, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University
  • Faculty Lead, Mandel Wellness Pathway, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

Disclosure Statement

As an organization accredited by the ACCME, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine CME Program requires that the content of CME activities and related materials provide balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor.  All faculty, planners, and others in a position to control continuing medical education content are required to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the past 24 months regardless of the amount and their view of the relevance of the relationship to the education. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. Faculty (authors, presenters, speakers) are encouraged to provide a balanced view of therapeutic options by utilizing either generic names or other options available when utilizing trade names to ensure impartiality.

 Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine CME Program has implemented a mechanism to identify and resolve all conflicts of interest prior to the activity. The intent of this policy is to identify potential conflicts of interest so participants can form their own judgments with full disclosure of the facts. Participants are asked to evaluate whether the speaker’s outside interests reflect a possible bias in the planning or presentation of the activity.

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