AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Becoming a mother can bring a myriad of emotions. While it can be exciting for some, it may be overwhelming for others. This is where Alabama Extension’s Today’s Mom curriculum can help. Implemented through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, this curriculum teaches expectant mothers and new parents about make healthier choices for themselves and their babies.

Suheily Rios, an Alabama Extension EFNEP agent assistant at Auburn University, personally knows both stressors and excitement of motherhood. She works with expectant mothers at the Wiregrass Pregnancy Center to equip them for their new lives with little ones, offering classes in both English and Spanish.

“One of the aspects I cherish most about teaching the Today’s Mom curriculum is the opportunity to share my own experiences with the participants,” Rios said. “I genuinely understand their journeys, having walked a similar path myself. The cornerstone of effective teaching lies in being your authentic self. It’s not enough to simply impart knowledge; it’s essential to demonstrate true authenticity and create a genuine presence alongside the women in my classes.”

Meaningful Relationships

Expectant mother Kailey Smith celebrates completing the Today’s Mom program.

Rios said everything she does is rooted in building meaningful relationships. The moment she establishes a connection with the women attending her classes, she witnesses a remarkable transformation as their confidence begins to blossom.

“Seeing their self-assurance grow is incredibly fulfilling and is what I cherish most about this role,” Rios said.

Kailey Smith, a Today’s Mom participant, said Rios was the perfect person to help her get on the right track as a first-time mother.

“I was a little nervous because it was my first time taking any kind of class like this since it is my first pregnancy,” Smith said. “But Ms. Suheily made me feel comfortable enough to talk with her about my diet. She gave me examples of other nutrition struggles that were very relatable.”

Sana Anwar, an EFNEP data and evaluation manager, said educators like Rios exemplify the dedication and care that make the program successful.

“Her genuine passion for her participants reflects the very spirit of EFNEP, meeting families where they are and helping them build healthier, brighter futures,” Anwar said. “When an educator cares deeply, participants feel seen, heard and supported — which makes the lessons more than just information; it becomes a relationship of trust. That trust is what turns nutrition education into real-life change.”

Empowering Mothers

Anwar said Today’s Mom is one of the most powerful programs Extension offers, because it transforms the future for mothers and their babies. The program was created to combat infant mortality in Alabama and still carries that mission forward.

“By giving moms the tools to eat well, stay active and build healthy habits, we’re helping them have healthier pregnancies, safer deliveries and stronger starts for their babies,” Anwar said. “At its core, Today’s Mom empowers mothers to make choices that shape a healthier future for themselves, their babies and their families.”

Smith said she believes the classes are important for young mothers because it is easy to forget about being on a healthy diet when there are crazy cravings in the mix.

“A lot of times, moms don’t think about the nutritional aspect of meals and snacks,” Smith said. “I would 100% encourage other moms to take these classes. Not only did Ms. Suheily make them super fun by making different meals for me to try, but they were also very educational in teaching me things I never knew about certain foods and drinks.”

Rios said everything starts with relationships. Once she is able to connect with the women coming through her classes, she starts to see their confidence grow. She said this is what means the most to her.

“It is truly a blessing to conduct these classes in both English and Spanish,” Rios said. “I’ve always believed that when I engage in any endeavor, I pour my entire heart into it. That’s exactly what I’m doing as I prepare these first-time mothers for the rewarding, yet challenging, journey that lies ahead.”

Extension Does That!

Today’s Mom is a part of Alabama Extension’s nutrition education outreach, supported by the EFNEP initiative. For Rios, her work with the program is a mission field.

“When you do what you love, you don’t do it with an expectation of recognition,” Rios said. “I do it because I want to empower young mothers and equip them with everything they need to care for themselves and for their babies.”

While Extension does a lot of work with expectant mothers and the family, that’s just scratching the surface of all the resources available through Alabama Extension. To discover even more about what Extension does, visit aces.edu/discover.