Free Maternal Infant Young Child Nutrition Course | IIT Bombay | Prof. Rupal Dalal
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 1688 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Biological Sciences & Bioengineering |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 18 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master Maternal and Child Nutrition with a Free Expert-Led Course from IIT Bombay
Are you passionate about improving health outcomes for mothers and children? Do you work in public health, nutrition, or community development? Or are you an expecting or new parent seeking evidence-based guidance? A groundbreaking opportunity is here. The prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay is offering a comprehensive, free online course on Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN), starting January 24th.
Led by the renowned Prof. (Dr.) Rupal Dalal, this 12-week program is designed to equip you with the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to tackle malnutrition and promote optimal growth during the most critical window of life.
Why This Course is Crucial for India and Beyond
Malnutrition remains a severe public health challenge. As per NFHS-5 data, 36% of Indian children are stunted and 32% are underweight. This problem isn't confined to any single socioeconomic group; undernutrition persists even in the wealthiest segments. Simultaneously, issues of obesity and poor metabolic health are rising alarmingly, affecting children as young as five.
The solution lies in the first 1,000 days—the period from conception until a child's second birthday. This is a unique window of rapid physical and brain development, setting the foundation for a child's future height, cognitive ability, and long-term health. This course is specifically architected to address this golden period with a multi-faceted, skill-based approach.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. (Dr.) Rupal Dalal
The course is helmed by an authority in the field: Prof. Rupal Dalal (MD, FAAP, IBCLC). As an Associate Professor (Adjunct) at IIT Bombay's Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural Areas (CTARA), the Founding Medical Director of the Foundation for Mother and Child Health (FMCH), and a leader at the Health Spoken Tutorial project, she brings 14 years of hands-on experience working in urban slums and rural and tribal areas of India. Her expertise ensures the course content is both academically rigorous and grounded in real-world community needs.
What You Will Learn: Course Layout (12 Weeks)
This predominantly skill-based course covers a holistic range of topics essential for the care of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young children.
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Maternal Infant Young Child Nutrition - Introduction |
| Week 2 | Science of Nutrition |
| Week 3 | Types of Malnutrition and Hidden Hunger |
| Week 4 | Importance of First 1,000 Days |
| Week 5 | Science of Breastfeeding |
| Week 6 | Cross Cradle Hold and 45 Points of Breastfeeding Counseling |
| Week 7 | Other Breastfeeding Holds |
| Week 8 | Manual Expression, Storage, Feeding of Expressed Breastmilk. Nipple/Breast Conditions |
| Week 9 | Newborn Care and Kangaroo Mother Care |
| Week 10 | Complementary Feeding |
| Week 11 | Maternal Nutrition (Pre-pregnancy, Pregnancy, Lactation) & Adolescent Nutrition |
| Week 12 | Assessment of Anthropometric Measurement and Growth Charts - Percentile & Z Score |
Course Details at a Glance
- Title: Maternal Infant Young Child Nutrition
- Platform: Swayam (Govt. of India)
- Start Date: 24th January
- Duration: 12 Weeks
- Time Commitment: ~2.5 hours per week
- Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
- Mode: Online
- Language: Primarily English (One key session on breastfeeding techniques will be available in Hindi)
- Certificate: Available upon passing the exam (Fee: Rs. 1000)
- Registration: Already Open (Over 2,000 participants enrolled)
Who Should Enroll?
This course is designed for a wide and diverse audience, including:
- Students and professionals in biological sciences, bioengineering, and public health.
- IAS officers, government personnel from Health, WCD, Education, and Tribal Welfare departments.
- Researchers in food science and nutrition.
- Frontline health workers (ANMs, ASHAs, Anganwadi workers).
- Teams from NGOs, startups, and organizations working in maternal and child health.
- Families intending to have children, pregnant mothers, and their family members.
As highlighted by Prof. Parag Bhargava of IIT Bombay, the learnings from this course are universally beneficial.
Additional Resources & Industry Support
The course provides access to practical tools like the 45 Points of Breastfeeding Counseling guide (available in multiple languages) and a Breastfeeding Assessment Form. It enjoys support from various sectors, including maternal & child health startups, malnutrition-focused organizations, and NGOs, underscoring its practical relevance.
Don't miss this chance to learn from one of India's leading experts and gain skills that can transform lives. Share this opportunity with anyone committed to building a healthier future, starting with the first 1,000 days.
Enroll today and be part of the solution to malnutrition.
Enroll Now →