In the next 12 weeks, you will explore factors that influence and support the healthy growth and development of infants and toddlers. These include: healthy pregnancies and prenatal care; immunizations; food security, dental care, and access to health care; and breastfeeding. Then reflect on the following questions:

How have you gained your knowledge and experience with regard to these factors/influences on healthy growth and development?

Based on your knowledge and experience, why do you believe any or all of these factors/influences are important to the healthy growth and development of infants and toddlers?

What would you like to learn from this course that would deepen and/or expand your current knowledge and why?

When you have gathered your thoughts, follow the instructions below for this Discussion.

By Day 3 of Week 1:

Post the following:

Write a summary that explains your prior knowledge and experience with regard to the ways in which healthy pregnancies and prenatal care; immunizations; food security, dental care, and access to health care; and breastfeeding influence and support the healthy growth and development of infants and toddlers. Explain how you have gained your prior knowledge, your view of why any or all of these are important for healthy growth and development, and how child development professionals should promote any or all of these in order to ensure all infants and toddlers get off to a healthy start. Support your views with examples from your own experiences and/or previous coursework, citing your resources when appropriate. Conclude your summary by describing what you would like to learn on this topic through this course.

By Day 7 of Week 1:

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.

Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ postings in any of the following ways:

Build on something your colleague said.

Explain why and how you see things differently.

Ask a probing or clarifying question.

Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.

Offer and support an opinion.

Validate an idea with your own experience.

Expand on your colleague’s posting.

Ask for evidence that supports the posting.

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Note:

Be sure to complete this module’s Discussion before reviewing the Learning Resources.

While the following resources are highly recommended, you may find other articles and/or websites in each of the areas listed below to help you complete the Assignment for this module.

Prenatal Care

Website: March of Dimes: Prenatal Care

http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/prenatalcare.html

Review information on the main page and select one or two of the articles referenced at the bottom of the page for additional information.

Video: Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy Baby: Prenatal Care

http://www.youtube.com/watch?index=0&feature=PlayList&v=qZqGZLwDfdE&list=PL7EF68D0B439E073F

Having a Healthy Pregnancy

Website: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services: Healthy Pregnancy: Staying Healthy and Safe

http://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/you-are-pregnant/staying-healthy-safe.cfm

Website: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Having a Healthy Pregnancy: ABCs: Pregnancy Tips (A-Z)

http://www.womenshealth.gov/Pregnancy/you-are-pregnant/staying-healthy-safe.cfm

Website: Mayo Clinic: Pregnancy Nutrition: Healthy Eating for You and Your Baby

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pregnancy-nutrition/PR00108

Teratogens

Web Article: Teratogens Overview

http://www.uchicagokidshospital.org/online-library/content=P09519

Website: March of Dimes: Pregnancy and Newborn Health Education Center

(Relevant section: “Pregnancy Dangers”)

http://www.marchofdimes.com/Pregnancy/pregnancy.html

Web Article: Prescription Drugs Taken During Pregnancy

http://www.visembryo.com/baby/pharmaceuticals.html