‘Growing Together: Nutrition For Pregnancy’
The Women’s Resource Centre [WRC] announced the launch of Growing Together: Nutrition for Pregnancy, a new series of nutrition classes designed to “support pregnant women in making informed, healthy choices for themselves and their babies.”
A spokesperson said, “Sponsored by the It Takes A Village Foundation [ITAV], these classes are a valuable addition to our successful Community Birthing Classes, which are also supported by ITAV.
“The first Growing Together: Nutrition for Pregnancy class will be held on Thursday, November 14th, from 6 pm to 8 pm at the WRC Training Room. Led by Registered Dietitian Britney Bannister, the class will cover essential topics such as debunking pregnancy myths, understanding balanced nutrition, identifying key nutrients, foods to avoid, and healthy eating on a budget.”
Britney Bannister, registered dietitian and workshop facilitator said: “Nutrition is crucial at every stage of life, but during pregnancy, it takes on even greater significance. Educating women about the importance of proper nutrition at this time empowers them to make informed choices that will benefit both their health and the long-term well-being of their children. By fostering health literacy, it can help women adopt healthier habits not only throughout pregnancy but also as they transition into motherhood and beyond.”
The spokesperson said, “Research consistently shows that good nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for the health of both mother and baby. A proper intake of essential nutrients helps reduce the risk of birth complications and maternal health issues, supports fetal growth and development, and lays the foundation for lifelong health. Additionally, good nutrition can enhance the mother’s energy levels, mood, and overall well-being throughout the pregnancy journey.
“With the introduction of this new series, the Women’s Resource Centre aims to bridge gaps in accessible, practical prenatal education, ensuring that every expecting mother has the resources needed to foster a healthy pregnancy.
“This offering aligns with WRC’s mission to provide women of all socio-economic backgrounds with access to information that enhances their well-being, equips them to make healthy, informed decisions, and empowers them to take control over their health. Since its launch in 2023, the Community Birthing Class has been instrumental in educating and supporting 15 women with evidence-based birth education. By expanding the focus to include pregnancy nutrition, WRC is deepening its commitment to providing holistic support for expecting mothers in Bermuda.”
Juanae Crockwell, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Centre, added: “We are thrilled to expand our community education and advocacy programmes to offer even more support to expecting mothers. We firmly believe that prenatal care should not be limited to those with economic means or health insurance; all women deserve easy access to this vital information. This initiative aligns with our strategic priority of empowering women in transition, equipping them with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.”
The spokesperson said, “These classes are open to all pregnant women in the community and aim to provide practical tools to support a healthy pregnancy journey. In addition to valuable nutrition information, eligible attendees will receive a grocery voucher to help them access healthy foods.
“For more information or to register for the upcoming Growing Together: Nutrition for Pregnancy class, visit www.wrcbermuda.com or call 295-3882. To learn more about the It Takes a Village Foundation and their support services please visit www.ittakesavillagebda.com.”