Naturally Designed Pregnancy & Early Childhood CEPEC
Instructor: Dr. Samantha Van De Wal CNP, ND
This eight-session course focuses on our body’s natural ability to design and nurture a growing baby. We examine a number of key reasons the body deals with infertility, how to track fertility and enhance it. We look at supplementation, what is safe and what is not. We examine each trimester; look at labour and delivery of a healthy newborn and finally, the stages of feeding. We will focus on the best nutritional approach using scientific research, resources, and sound holistic practices.
FORMAT: Online, LIVE
LOCATION: Zoom Classroom
SESSIONS: 8 Tuesdays
DATES: March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12 | 2026
TIME: 6:00 – 9:00pm Eastern / 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm Pacific
REQUIRED TEXT: The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Women’s Health by Dr. Sat Dharam Kaur ND
FEE: $550 + HST
REQUIRED DIGITAL COURSE NOTES: $30 + HST
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 17, 2026
Session 1
DATE: Tuesday March 24
CONCEPT: Fertility Basics
This foundational session provides holistic nutrition practitioners with a clinically relevant understanding of fertility physiology, positioning the menstrual cycle as a key marker of functional health.
Core concepts include:
• The reproductive and menstrual cycle (using cycle patterns, symptoms, and irregularities as assessment tools for hormonal balance)
• Ovulation and fertile windows (understanding the hormonal cascade and factors influencing ovulatory health)
• Basal body temperature and fertility charting (applying BBT and cycle mapping as practical biofeedback tools for hormonal assessment)
• Conception from a holistic perspective (exploring systemic requirements for fertilization and implantation)
• Contraception methods (reviewing hormonal and non-hormonal options through a functional lens, including impacts on nutrient status and long-term fertility)
This session establishes fertility literacy as an essential extension of holistic nutrition practice, especially for women’s health.
Session 2
DATE: Tuesday March 31
CONCEPT: Navigating Fertility Challenges
This session explores fertility challenges through a functional and integrative lens, equipping practitioners with a clear framework for assessment and support.
Core concepts include:
• Definitions and diagnostic criteria (clinical vs. functional perspectives on fertility)
• Fertility testing (interpreting common labs and medical assessments)
• Contributing conditions (including reproductive and other systemic conditions)
• Hormone balance for both males and females (patterns required for or affecting ovulation, sperm quality, and implantation)
• Treatment options (conventional, complementary, and holistic strategies)
The focus is on understanding root causes and identifying areas where nutrition and lifestyle interventions can meaningfully support fertility outcomes.
Session 3
DATE: Tuesday April 7
CONCEPT: Preconception Planning
This session focuses on preparing the body for conception through evidence-informed holistic strategies.
Core concepts include:
• Targeted supplementation (key nutrients for reproductive health)
• Pre-conception diet and cleansing protocols (supporting metabolic, hormonal, digestive balance, and nervous system)
• Detoxifying the environment (reducing endocrine disruptors and toxic exposures)
• Relevant lab testing (nutrient, hormonal, and functional markers)
• Common fertility myths (clarifying misinformation and unrealistic expectations)
Emphasis is placed on creating a strong physiological foundation for both partners before conception.
Session 4
DATE: Tuesday April 14
CONCEPTS: Pregnancy Through 1st & 2nd Trimester
This session provides practical nutritional and functional guidance for early pregnancy.
Core concepts include:
• Basic embryological development (understanding key stages of fetal development) and maternal changes through pregnancy
• Troubleshooting early pregnancy concerns (such as nausea, fatigue, and nutrient depletion)
• Medical follow-ups (common screenings and monitoring)
The session integrates physiology with applied nutrition to support healthy pregnancy progression for both the mother and baby.
Session 5
DATE: Tuesday April 21
CONCEPT: Pregnancy in the 3rd Trimester
This session addresses the unique nutritional and physiological demands of late pregnancy.
Core concepts include:
• Fetal development (final stages of organ and brain maturation) and maternal changes in the third trimester
• Troubleshooting late pregnancy challenges (including but not limited to blood sugar, digestive issues, edema)
• Preparing for and gaining understanding of medical follow-ups (key assessments and monitoring)
The focus is on supporting maternal resilience and fetal readiness for birth.
Session 6
DATE: Tuesday April 28
CONCEPTS: Labour & Delivery
This session explores labour and birth through an integrative perspective.
Core concepts include:
• Diet, lifestyle, nutrition, and supplement support for labour and delivery preparation (supporting energy, tissue integrity, and recovery)
• An overview of natural and medically-supported induction techniques
• Understanding the stages of labour (what to expect, progression, and sensations)
• Troubleshooting common challenges (fatigue, prolonged labour, stress responses)
• Supporting the infant upon delivery
• An introduction to breastfeeding
Emphasis is placed on optimizing physiological conditions for a healthy birth experience.
Session 7
DATE: Tuesday May 5
CONCEPT: Newborn Health
This session focuses on foundational health strategies for the newborn period.
Core concepts include:
• Understanding infant nutritional demands and learning how to appraise formula for optimal infant development
• Supplementation in early infancy (how and when to introduce, if necessary)
• Troubleshooting common infant health concerns (digestive, skin, immune, and gastrointestinal conditions)
• Managing infant illness
The session highlights early nutrition as a determinant of long-term health.
Session 8
DATE: Tuesday May 12
CONCEPTS: Pediatric Nutrition & Supplements
This final session expands upon nutrition during infancy and early development.
Core concepts include:
• Nutritional needs through the first year of life (growth, immune development, and brain health)
• Packaged versus homemade foods (quality, safety, and nutrient density)
Practitioners gain practical insight into guiding families toward developmentally appropriate, nutrient-rich feeding strategies during this critical period.
Access to Material:
THE DAY BEFORE the course starts registered students will receive an email with LINKS to:
— A copy of the complete Course Outline with test and assignment dates
— Zoom Login and Password
— Digital Course Notes/Power Point Presentation Session 1 of 8 followed by sessions 2 to 8 after the first class ends
— Every session’s replay will be sent to students before 12:00 noon Eastern, the next day
— Recordings remain LIVE for 2 months after the course ends
— Registrants are encouraged to join the course’s registrant discussion group
Can’t Make The Day & Time? We’ve Got You.
Learn Through Recordings!
If your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend classes in real time, join us through recordings. Many of our Continuing Education students are busy practitioners and professionals, balancing work, family and other commitments so we understand that flexibility is necessary. Replay access and completion options are arranged on a case-by-case basis to ensure you still receive the full educational value of the course and have engagement with the faculty member and other registrants. You also have the option to earn the Certificate of Completion if you’re able to complete the required test or assignment by the due dates.
If you’re interested in accessing replays or exploring flexible participation options with your schedule, please contact Julia Briski at julia@instituteofholisticnutrition.com for more information.
Please review IHN’s Online & In-Class Continuing Education Course/School Policies