MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur. July 20 (PIA) – The quality of nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life plays a critical role in the child’s health and development.The first 1,000 days is identified as the golden window of time that sets the stage for the child’s development and long-term health, said Recthie Paculba, member of the Modern Nanays of Mindanao, during the Ozor ka, Ranao! radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Marawi City.
“Good nutrition during this period is crucial as it can have significant impact on the child’s well-being,” she said.
The first 1,000 days starts on the day of conception until the child’s second birthday.
Paculba said the first way to ensure the child’s nutrition is for mothers to have a healthy-balanced diet, particularly rich in iron, folic acid, iodine and other vitamins and minerals to support the baby’s growth and brain development during pregnancy.
The child’s long-term health, including his predisposition to infections and diseases, can be shaped by the quality of the mother’s nutrition since the baby is solely dependent on the mother for nourishment during the pregnancy stage, she said.
Further, mothers should get pre-natal and post-natal services and give birth in a birthing facility to ensure safe delivery.
Breastfeeding, starting from the first hour of birth, also gives the baby the best start of life to life.
Breastmilk is a complete food for the baby for the first six months because it has antibodies that fight-off illness and build immunity, she further said.
Paculba said the baby should also be given complementary foods, in addition to breastmilk, from six months to two years to support their rapid growth and development.
Modern Nanays of Mindanao is group of mothers who pushes for smart parenting. It’s a budding group comprising of stay-at-home moms, working moms, professionals, and advocates believing in the importance breastfeeding, baby-wearing and cloth-diapering. (
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