Raised by the Forest

Nature as part of lifestyle guidance at maternity and child health clinics

The project integrates nature into maternity and child health clinics, strengthening family well-being and the relationship with nature from an early stage. We are developing a model and materials that help clinics utilize knowledge about the health benefits of nature as part of lifestyle counseling.

“Nature supports a child’s health and well-being in a holistic way”

Nature has scientifically proven positive health effects

Nature offers a diverse and calming environment that supports children’s health and holistic well-being. Spending time in nature reduces stress, strengthens both physical and mental health, and promotes learning and the development of cognitive skills.

Early experiences in nature help build a lasting connection with the natural world and support the adoption of a sustainable lifestyle. Shared moments in nature strengthen the interaction and attachment between parent and child, while also providing screen-free opportunities for presence and connection..

A connection with nature is built from early childhood

The first thousand days are important for the development of a child’s immune system.

Maternity and child health clinics as enablers of nature-based guidance

Maternity and child health clinics reach all families and play a vital role in supporting family well-being. Clinic visits offer an opportunity to highlight the health benefits of nature and the importance of early interaction for child development — even for families who do not yet have an active relationship with nature.

Lifestyle counseling provided by clinics can help reduce the risk of illnesses such as asthma, allergies, type 2 diabetes, and depression. While clinics commonly offer recommendations on nutrition, sleep, and physical activity, nature exposure is not yet widely promoted, despite its well-researched health benefits.

The project will produce materials for clinics on the health benefits of nature

The aim of the project is to strengthen the nature relationship and connection to nature between children and parents, enabling engagement with everyday natural environments, and to promote the health of both children and parents during a critical stage of child development.

As a result, the project will produce a research-based model and practical materials that present information on the health benefits of nature and provide guidelines for safe nature exposure.

In addition, the project will create educational materials for open use in nursing education and for guiding maternity and child health clinic staff. The outcomes of the project will be disseminated nationally to other wellbeing services counties and third-sector organizations.

The materials are developed in collaboration with maternity and child health professionals

The materials are developed in collaboration with maternity and child health professionals, nursing education staff from South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, and experts in nature and health.

Core activities

Collecting research data and conducting expert interviews to support the design of lifestyle counseling materials.
Producing content for a guide to be distributed in clinics and for lecture materials intended for professionals.
Designing and publishing the guide in both print and digital formats.
Planning and preparing a campaign to support the dissemination of the materials.
Publishing and distributing the “Raised by the Forest” guide and campaign.
Delivering lectures based on the materials in nursing education at Xamk, for public health nurses at Eloisa, and distributing the lecture materials to other universities of applied sciences across Finland.

Project facts

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