IPN Curriculum
The Institute for Prenatal NutritionⓇ Mentorship Program is a comprehensive certification course in prenatal nutrition designed for health practitioners.
The curriculum of IPN has been carefully designed to prepare healthcare practitioners to best serve their pregnant clients. From calculating personalized nutrient needs, to developing meal plans for clients, to implementing protocols for preventing and managing pregnancy complications (and more!), The Institute for Prenatal NutritionⓇ Mentorship Program will take your knowledge of prenatal nutrition to the next level. Participants who successfully complete all course materials earn the certification of Specialist in Prenatal Nutrition (SPN).
Become a Specialist in Prenatal Nutrition (SPN) and change the face of the pregnancy nutrition field with me!
Did you know?
- It takes 17 years for new research to make it into clinical practice (and even longer for those changes to be reflected in policy)
- 47% of U.S. women of childbearing age are deficient in at least one micronutrient
- 67% of U.S. pregnant women are not consuming optimal amounts of protein
- New research has revealed that the RDA for a number of nutrients is an underestimate of the true requirement for pregnancy
We can do better for our pregnant clients. They’re literally counting on you — and so is the next generation. Better prenatal nutrition can influence not only a mother’s health, but her child’s lifelong risk of disease and metabolic dysfunction.
The Institute for Prenatal NutritionⓇ Mentorship Program curriculum provides:
- A critical examination of the current nutrition guidelines vs. new research
- A focus on nutrient-density and real food sources of nutrients, plus clear guidance on when supplementation is necessary
- Nutritional and clinical assessment of clients (assessing dietary adequacy, nutrient status, and more)
- In-depth research about dietary and lifestyle for the prevention/mitigation of pregnancy complications and common pregnancy discomforts
- Guidance on how to communicate with and coach clients, especially for challenging conversations
- Case studies, so you not only know the research, but understand how to apply it in practice
- Access to a private forum to connect with your classmates and Lily between calls
- Weekly live Q&A calls to further explore the content from that week
Topics Covered
The heart of IPN’s curriculum centers around in-depth
classes on the following topics:
- Pregnancy Physiology
- Macronutrient requirements – conventional vs. optimal
- Micronutrient requirements – conventional vs. optimal
- Pregnancy nutrition myths & facts
- Management of pregnancy complaints & discomforts
- Gestational diabetes
- Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (including preeclampsia)
- Pregnancy weight gain & assessment
- Lab tests
- Supplements
- Nutrition for twin/multiple pregnancies
- Exercise in pregnancy
- Nutrition for postpartum recovery
- Nutrition for breastfeeding
- … and several bonus classes
Each week, participants will join Lily for a live Q&A call to further explore the class(es) from that week and discuss case studies.
Take your knowledge to the next level
The IPN Mentorship will take your practitioner knowledge of prenatal nutrition from competent to exceptional.
Chelsea Leach, MS, RD, CSSD, SPN
This course has not only enhanced my professional capabilities but has also enriched my personal growth as a nutritionist. The blend of academic rigor and practical application offered by IPN is truly unique, making it an indispensable resource for anyone looking to specialize in prenatal nutrition. Couldn’t recommend it enough.
Taylor Fazio, MS, RD, CDN, SPN
How is the Course Delivered?
Here’s what’s included in the Institute for Prenatal NutritionⓇ Mentorship Program to become certified as a Specialist in Prenatal Nutrition:
- Classes
Dive into the research on individual topics in these 120 minute recorded classes (slides included)
- Q&A Calls
From complex clinical questions to business, it’s all on the table during these weekly live Q&A calls with Lily
- Private Community Forum
Connect and collaborate with IPN colleagues in our own private space (NOT hosted on Facebook, hooray!)
- Case Studies
Get feedback and guidance on tough cases from your classmates and Lily
- Assignments
As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect,” and these assignments ensure you have mastered the material
- Research
Evidence-based information is the core of IPN’s curriculum, so each class includes a curated library of full text research articles
- Ongoing Access to Course Materials
Even after the program is complete, IPN Graduates will continue to have access to the main course content & recordings (class recordings and slides, research papers, and Q&A call recordings)
Participating in this program was by far the best thing I have done this year. It allowed me to immerse myself in material which I am passionate about and learn a cutting edge, evidence based curriculum. This isn’t material you learn in school; it is far more in depth. Lily is a wonderful teacher — thorough, practical and well researched. She put great care into crafting this program and ensuring a wonderful student experience.
Julia Powers, MS, CNS, LDN, SPN
I was very impressed by the depth of information we covered, but also loved how Lily can break it down in a way that’s easy to comprehend and apply in practice. An added bonus was getting to pick Lily’s brain during the Q&A calls, and also interact with other practitioners in the field and hear their questions and perspectives.
Elizabeth Newton, RDN, SPN
Honestly I gleaned so much from the IPN mentorship as my background is midwifery. While nutrition has always been important in my practice, I feel this program will up my game!
Amy Burgess APRN, CNM, SPN
Program Structure
The Institute for Prenatal NutritionⓇ Mentorship Program includes a mix of recorded classes and weekly live Q&A calls with Lily.
Classes & Q&A Calls
The IPN program features in-depth classes (120 min in length, on average) covering the core material of the curriculum. These classes are pre-recorded to ensure every participant can view it, regardless of time zone differences. Participants are expected to view this material prior to each week’s live Q&A call with Lily (these calls are also recorded).
Several Q&A calls are devoted to case study presentations, one of which you will be required to present your final case study analysis to the group. You will know your case study presentation date ahead of time.
All calls are recorded, so If you are unable to attend any of the sessions, you can review the recording at a later time.
Live Q&A Calls (90 min): Thursday 10 am – 11:30 am ET
For the 2025 IPN program, there are 18 Q&A calls, so there is plenty of time for group discussion and to get all of your questions answered by Lily.
Community Forum
Prior to our orientation call, you’ll gain access to our private IPN forum. You can post in the community at any time. This space is primarily for connecting with community members and collaborating on cases together; questions directed solely to Lily are best reserved for Q&A calls; however, Lily also checks the group several times per week to offer input.
Assignments
There will be assigned reading, several small projects, and a final case study. All assignments have a clear purpose and applicability to your practice. Don’t worry; I loathe busy work as much as you do — 100% of past participants rated the assignments as being useful to their practice (aka not just busy work!).
Completion of all assignments by their respective due dates is required to earn your certificate as a Specialist in Prenatal Nutrition.
Results
We asked our graduates to rate their level of knowledge and confidence in various areas before they enrolled in IPN versus after completing the IPN mentorship.
100% of our graduates reported a significant improvement in all areas.
- Specifically, our graduates shared the following:
- 77% (average) increase in clinical confidence
- 72% (average) increase in nutritional assessment skills
- 85% (average) increase in knowledge of prenatal nutrition guidelines and limitations
- In addition, our graduates reported that their knowledge of both prenatal nutrition research and management of pregnancy complications was twice as high compared when they started the program.
The time and care she devotes to each member of the group is unparalleled and also not available in any other program. IPN has given me the tools to become a subject matter expert in the realm of prenatal nutrition and allowed me to deepen my understanding of the symbiotic relationship between nutrition and the growth and development of our future generations. This is a must-do!
Chelsea Leach, MS, RD, CSSD, SPN
As a clinician, IPN gives you the tools to feel confident providing care for optimal results with your clients / patients, not just base-level results. Again, the Q&A sessions and case studies were an incredible opportunity to dive even further and understand where the breakdown often happens in research vs. practice.
Britt Maughan, RD, SPN
Frequently Asked Questions
This comprehensive training is an investment of $9,999 when paid in full. There are payment plan options outlined on the application form.
IPN’s mentorship program is application-only. The best way to be notified when IPN is accepting applications for the next cohort is to add your name to our waiting list. We hand select each class to ensure practitioners are qualified and prepared for this level of training.
The Institute for Prenatal NutritionⓇ Mentorship Program is a fully online 18-week immersive mentorship that features both in-depth recorded classes as well as weekly live Q&A calls with Lily. There is also an orientation call before the program starts.
The 2025 program runs from January 23rd to May 29, 2025.
The IPN Mentorship is for health practitioners who are looking for a comprehensive, research-backed course in prenatal nutrition. This mentorship is for professionals who already have a science and nutrition background, such as dietitians and nutritionists, doctors, midwives, physician assistants, acupuncturists, and other licensed professionals.
If you have additional education as a healthcare practitioner or in the health sciences, you are more than welcome to apply. The application form will ask you to expand upon your educational background on the application form so we can assess whether you are qualified for the program.
Absolutely. Not only does it go into more detail, but the mentorship program covers topics not addressed whatsoever in Lily’s books. Plus, you get a direct line to Lily for questions and guidance on case studies.
No. IPN’s mentorship is intentionally designed as a comprehensive program on prenatal nutrition. If you are interested in topic-specific classes, without any personal interaction or mentorship with Lily, you can check out the webinars at the Women’s Health Nutrition Academy.
Yes! IPN cover topics that are not addressed in the WHNA library, such as twin pregnancies, preeclampsia, lab testing, and more. It also goes into more detail on topics that are more briefly addressed in WHNA webinars, and offers students the opportunity to apply the information they learned through assignments, case studies, Q&A calls with Lily, and in conversations in our private course forum. Many of our students have completed multiple WHNA webinars and still find that the IPN curriculum expands their knowledge and clinical confidence.
Please see the list entitled “Topics covered” above.
The program includes weekly Q&A calls with Lily, which provides plenty of opportunity for participants to ask questions. In addition, the community portal allows you to interact with fellow participants for clarification and professional insight from your colleagues. Lily will occasionally chime in within the community, but the place to ask questions directed to her specifically is the weekly Q&A calls. If you have a question you wish to ask of Lily anonymously, those can be sent over email and will be answered during Q&A calls; otherwise, please ask your question live during the call.
Although this program satisfies the continuing education requirements for many professionals, the program is not pre-approved for CEUs by any profession. Whether you can submit for CEUs will depend on your field and continuing education board regulations. We can’t guarantee approval for all types of practitioners, so we encourage you to reach out to your credentialing organization to clarify which types of activities they accept for credits.
That said, registered dietitians who enroll will be eligible to earn 45.5 CEUs for Lily’s book, Real Food for Pregnancy, at no additional cost. This CEU activity is only pre-approved for registered dietitians (via the Commission on Dietetics Registration) and requires successful completion of a post-test by May 11, 2027. If you are another type of practitioner, you’ll need to check with your continuing education board regulations.
Recorded classes can be viewed on your own time and are typically 2 hours long. Live weekly Q&A calls are 90 minutes long. You’ll need another 1.5-3 hours per week (on average) to complete assigned reading, several small assignments, and your final case study. This is a total of 5-6 hours per week. The more time you spend in the program and immerse yourself in the research, the more you’ll get out of it.
Yes, participants who complete all assignments and pass the final case study will receive a certificate of completion displaying “Specialist in Prenatal Nutrition.” IPN Graduates may also use the initial “SPN” after their name, to designate this specialty. Graduates are also added to our practitioner directory, where clients seeking well-trained prenatal nutritionists go to find a care provider.
Attending all weekly live Q&A calls gives you the opportunity to connect with your colleagues and get direct support from Lily. Although you are not required to attend every call (and all of them are recorded), it is highly recommended that you do so in order to get the most out of this program.
Live Q&A Calls (90 min) are held on Thursdays from 10:00am – 11:30am ET.
In-depth classes (120 min in length, on average) covering the core material of the curriculum, are pre-recorded to ensure every participant can view it, regardless of time zone differences. Participants are expected to view this material prior to each week’s live Q&A call with Lily (these calls are also recorded).
The 2025 program runs from January 23rd to May 29, 2025.
In order to graduate from the IPN Mentorship, earn your Specialist in Prenatal Nutrition (SPN) credential, and be listed on the IPN Directory, you will need to view all IPN classes and Q&A calls (live or recorded) and complete all assignments, including presenting your final case study live to the group. You will have until the end of the program to complete all assignments, case studies, and presentations.
As long as you complete all course requirements (see previous FAQ), you will continue to have access to the educational portal even after the program is complete (class recordings and slides, research papers, and Q&A call recordings from this round of the program). The private community forum will only be open for the duration of the program.
IPN Graduates will be eligible to continue in the IPN Alumni Membership, which provides a number of benefits including ongoing access to an alumni community forum, monthly alumni calls (for case studies, guest speakers and more), and curriculum updates.
Enrolling in the Institute of Prenatal Nutrition’s program has been a transformative experience for my clinical practice. The program significantly expanded my knowledge and clinical skills, preparing me comprehensively for nutrition management across the entire perinatal period.
Teresa Romano, MS, RD/LDN, CEDRD, SPN
The course was amazing. Lily’s in-depth knowledge, research focused content, and vast clinical experience was truly appreciated. She drew on the research and her clinical knowledge to answer all of our questions comprehensively. Not only did I learn a lot from Lily, but also the other course members with their insightful questions.
Yvonne Parker, PGDip, MSc, MBA, ANutr, SPN
Because of this course I have more tools, resources, and insight to better assist all of my clients in their nutritional needs and overall well-being. So far, this is the best investment choice I have made in my career as a midwife, doula, and fertility therapist.
Shauna Jenson, Midwife, Doula, CMT, SPN
What a wealth of information! I absolutely LOVED this program. Overall, the information was organized well, which made it approachable and less overwhelming to take in. This mentorship builds the perfect foundation for a practitioner in the prenatal nutrition space. The dynamic conversations that occurred were invaluable. I cannot recommend this program enough.
Katie Salmon MS, RDN, CDN, SPN
Even with a masters in nutrition, NOTHING in my program comes even close to the depth of pregnancy nutrition information provided in IPN. You will not find a more detailed, comprehensive, specialized program out there! Having direct access to Lily is SO invaluable and the knowledge gained from peers throughout the program is a huge added bonus! I cannot say enough amazing things about this experience.
Tessa Florio, MS, CNS-candidate, SPN
This mentorship exceeded my expectations. I’ve learned so much, and gained so much clarity in how to approach and handle client situations. I really appreciate how thorough each class was and the detail that went into the content — I gained so much knowledge from this detail, the research, and the time that went into each topic.
