At HEED, we recognize that good nutrition and overall health are foundational to a healthy pregnancy and a strong start for children. For mothers in recovery from substance use, prioritizing nutrition and physical well-being before pregnancy is an important part of healing, stabilization, and preparation for the future.
Preconception nutrition and health support the body’s ability to function, recover, and sustain a healthy pregnancy. This includes access to balanced meals, essential nutrients, regular medical care, and support for managing chronic health conditions. For many mothers in recovery, rebuilding physical health is a key step in strengthening both recovery and readiness for pregnancy.
Through our work across the SouthCoast and Rhode Island, we see that access to nutritious food and health services is not always consistent. Community-based supports such as WIC programs, food access initiatives, and healthcare providers play a critical role in helping mothers meet their nutritional and health needs in practical, sustainable ways.
This section of the Birth to Five Resource Guide connects mothers to resources that support nutrition, physical health, and overall wellness before pregnancy. These supports are most effective when they are accessible, culturally responsive, and aligned with the realities of families’ lives.
Grounded in the science of early development and The Basics, we understand that a mother’s health directly influences early development—even before pregnancy begins. By supporting nutrition and wellness, we are helping to build the foundation for healthy pregnancies, strong families, and thriving communities.
Because every child deserves a strong start.
No. Most pregnant people do not need significantly more calories until the second and third trimesters. What matters most is nutrient quality, not quantity. Eating balanced meals with protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats supports both maternal health and fetal development better than simply eating more food.
Several nutrients are especially important:
Prenatal vitamins help, but they work best alongside a balanced diet.
Gestational diabetes means blood sugar levels are higher than normal during pregnancy. Many people manage it successfully with balanced meals, regular eating schedules, and physical activity, such as walking after meals. Some may need medication. With proper care, most pregnancies progress normally and babies are healthy.
In many cases, yes. Breastfeeding increases nutrient needs, and continuing a prenatal or postnatal multivitamin can help support maternal health. Your healthcare provider can help decide what’s best for you based on your diet and any lab results.
Yes. Breast milk alone does not provide enough vitamin D. Most breastfed babies need a daily vitamin D supplement starting soon after birth to support healthy bone growth and prevent deficiency.
Babies are born with iron stores that usually last about 4–6 months. After that, iron needs increase. Breastfed babies often need iron supplementation or iron-rich foods once solids are introduced. Iron is essential for brain development and preventing anemia.
Juice is not recommended for babies under 12 months. For toddlers, juice should be limited and not replace whole fruits, which provide fiber and more balanced nutrition. Water and milk are better everyday choices.
Yes. Picky eating is very common between ages 1 and 5. It’s usually a normal developmental phase. Caregivers can help by offering a variety of foods regularly, keeping mealtimes calm, and avoiding pressure. Repeated exposure over time helps children learn to accept new foods.
For children ages 0–5, the healthiest drinks are water and milk. Sugary drinks, flavored milks, and juice should be limited. Establishing healthy drink habits early supports dental health, growth, and long-term metabolic health.
Signs can include fatigue, pale skin, poor appetite, or developmental concerns, but many children show no obvious symptoms. Routine screening at pediatric visits helps catch anemia early. Offering iron-rich foods and following medical guidance can prevent and treat iron deficiency.
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We welcome your feedback. If you have suggestions, resources, or updates to share, please email us at Bto5Guide@heedcoalition.org. Your input helps us keep this guide relevant, responsive, and community-informed.
Important Notice
The Birth to Five Resource Guide is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. By using this site, you acknowledge that you are accessing these materials voluntarily and at your own discretion.
The information shared here is not intended to replace professional medical, clinical, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, pediatrician, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding health, development, or medical conditions.
The HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or applicability of the information provided and assume no liability for any decisions made or actions taken based on the use of this site.
Use of this site constitutes your acceptance of these terms.
