Advanced LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Maternal & Child Nutrition
Nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood is one of the most critical factors influencing lifelong health. The foundation for growth, immunity, and cognitive development begins with the food choices made during these stages. Maternal and child nutrition ensures that mothers and children receive the right balance of nutrients to thrive, reducing risks of complications and supporting healthy futures.
Globally, challenges such as malnutrition, low birth weight, and childhood obesity highlight the urgent need for specialized knowledge in this area. Maternal and child nutrition is not just about feeding—it is about applying evidence‑based strategies to safeguard health, prevent deficiencies, and promote resilience in vulnerable populations. By focusing on these early stages of life, professionals can make a lasting impact on communities and healthcare systems.
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Maternal and Child Nutrition (Cert Maternal and Child Nutrition) emphasizes the importance of this discipline in modern healthcare. For learners, engaging with maternal and child nutrition is more than academic—it is an opportunity to contribute to healthier generations, strengthen professional credibility, and play a pivotal role in advancing nutrition‑focused care.
Program Outline
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Maternal and Child Nutrition (Cert Maternal and Child Nutrition) is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with foundational expertise in nutrition for mothers and children. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 24 credits, the program introduces learners to areas such as dietary assessment, nutrition across life stages, patient safety frameworks, compliance with international standards, and ethical considerations in maternal and child nutrition.
Learners are guided to apply evidence‑based approaches, manage nutrition programs effectively, and align with international standards. The course emphasizes practical skills that prepare graduates to meet the demands of healthcare systems and community services focused on maternal and child health.
This internationally recognized qualification opens doors to diverse opportunities in hospitals, wellness clinics, NGOs, schools, and research institutions. For anyone aspiring to build a career in maternal and child nutrition, the program serves as a valuable credential that combines scientific knowledge with practical application.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201009-1 | Introduction to Maternal and Child Nutrition | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201009-2 | Maternal Nutritional Requirements | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201009-3 | Infant Nutrition and Feeding Practices | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201009-4 | Childhood Nutrition and Growth | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201009-5 | Special Diets and Nutritional Challenges | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201009-6 | Research, Communication and Professional Practice | 4 | 20 |
Who Can Benefit
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Maternal and Child Nutrition (Cert Maternal and Child Nutrition) is designed for individuals who want to specialize in nutrition, maternal care, and child health. This program is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as malnutrition, pregnancy complications, and childhood dietary concerns. It helps learners strengthen their expertise, improve employability, and prepare for roles where maternal and child nutrition is central to healthcare delivery.
Ideal Learners
- Students aspiring to enter healthcare sciences with a focus on maternal and child health.
- Entry‑level professionals seeking structured training in maternal and child nutrition.
- Midwives and nursing assistants wanting to expand knowledge of diet and patient safety.
- Community health workers preparing for responsibilities in nutrition services.
- Hospital support staff aiming to strengthen skills in compliance and dietary care.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into maternal and child nutrition roles.
- Career changers interested in wellness, family health, and nutrition practice.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for maternal and child nutrition careers.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Introduction to Maternal and Child Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the physiological and developmental aspects of nutrition in preconception, pregnancy, lactation, and early childhood.
- Analyse the impact of maternal and child nutrition on health outcomes.
- Identify key concepts in maternal and child nutrition and their relevance to professional practice.
- Apply foundational knowledge to support evidence-based nutritional guidance for mothers and children.
Unit 2: Maternal Nutritional Requirements
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify macro- and micronutrient requirements during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation.
- Evaluate strategies to support maternal health, wellbeing, and optimal fetal development.
- Assess the role of diet in preventing maternal nutrient deficiencies and pregnancy-related conditions.
- Recommend dietary interventions to promote maternal health and successful pregnancy outcomes.
Unit 3: Infant Nutrition and Feeding Practices
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the nutritional requirements of infants from birth to weaning.
- Analyse breastfeeding, formula feeding, and complementary feeding practices.
- Assess the impact of feeding practices on infant growth and development.
- Provide evidence-based recommendations for optimal infant nutrition and feeding.
Unit 4: Childhood Nutrition and Growth
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Describe the nutritional needs of children during early childhood.
- Monitor and assess growth and dietary intake to identify nutritional deficiencies.
- Evaluate strategies to prevent malnutrition and diet-related health conditions in children.
- Develop age-appropriate dietary plans to support healthy growth and development.
Unit 5: Special Diets and Nutritional Challenges
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify nutritional considerations for allergies, intolerances, and medical conditions in mothers and children.
- Analyse the challenges associated with special diets and at-risk populations.
- Design tailored dietary interventions to meet individual nutritional needs safely and effectively.
- Apply professional judgement to manage nutritional challenges in clinical or community settings.
Unit 6: Research, Communication and Professional Practice
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct research using reliable sources and appropriate methods in maternal and child nutrition.
- Analyse and interpret nutritional data to support evidence-based practice.
- Communicate nutritional information effectively through reports, presentations, and consultations.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and professional judgement in applying research findings to maternal and child nutrition practice.
