Grand Canyon Times

Monique Couillard-Nelson, a pediatric nurse and mother of two, has released "Parenting Like a Pro," a guide for new parents. The release coincides with World Health Day on April 7, aiming to promote maternal and newborn health. The announcement was made in a news release on March 26, 2025.

According to the news release, the "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures" campaign focuses on supporting healthy pregnancies, births, and postnatal health. This initiative is backed by the World Health Organization and its partners. Couillard-Nelson, who has taught pregnancy, newborn, and toddler classes across Arizona for 26 years, developed her book after recognizing that some new parents could not attend traditional parenting classes due to full-time work schedules. This realization led her to compile a comprehensive guide that covers the first year of a baby’s life.

"For years, I’ve had parents and parents-to-be tell me they found this book or that book that helped with a certain question or issue they were having, but none of them covered all of the things new parents want to know," said Couillard-Nelson. "I found myself constantly looking for a good comprehensive resource. I got the question so often that I wanted to give my patients and students a guide they could take home and refer to again and again. I couldn’t ever find what I wanted, so I finally sat down and wrote it myself."

The book combines her years of experience as a pediatric nurse and parenting instructor. It includes practical information on topics such as breastfeeding, bottle feeding, sleep, child development, and safety. It also explores early childhood issues like self-esteem, discipline, and the influence of nature and nurture. According to Couillard-Nelson, the guide incorporates insights from the American Academy of Pediatrics and pediatric professionals she has worked with throughout her career.

Couillard-Nelson is a pediatric nurse with nearly 30 years of experience. She has spent 26 years teaching parenting classes alongside hands-on experience as a mother. Since 1994, she has worked in various roles including pediatric triage nursing, leading nursing teams, and advocating for patients. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Pre-Med from Arizona State University and a nursing degree with a pediatric focus.