The #First1000Days refers to the period between conception and the child’s second birthday. It is considered the “Golden Window of Opportunity” where the health, nutrition and development foundations of the child are established. 

The #First1000Days have three main stages namely (1,000 Days, n.d.):

• Pregnancy-This is the time when the brain develops at an astonishing speed. The nutrition that a baby gets from his mother through her diet is the indispensable fuel that drives much of this incredible transformation. Several nutrients, such as iron, protein, copper, folate, zinc, iodine and certain fats, play an important role in building the brain during pregnancy.
• Infancy-This period marks brain development and growth, which is heavily caused by the nourishment the baby receives. Breastmilk is nature’s superfood which contains variety of nutrients, growth factors, and hormones.
• Early Childhood-This stage is characterized by the continuous growth and development of the child at a rapid pace, especially his/her brain development. Nutrition remains critically important during this period. Protein, iron, zinc, and iodine are essential to the toddler’s rapidly developing brain.

Definitely, the way that mothers and children are nourished and cared for during this very critical time yields a great impact on a child’s holistic development. Not just that, the child’s development would have a domino effect on his/her community’s and even country’s prosperity.

So how do we ensure then that mothers and their children are healthy and well-nourished during the #First1000Days?

Keep in mind the “ABAKADA”.

A-Alagaan ang mga buntis

            Pregnant women need to be taken cared off to ensure their optimal health and nourishment as well as their baby’s. They need all to the support that they can get to ensure successful pregnancy.

            Pregnant women should get prenatal care as early and as regularly as possible. This is to make sure that there are no medical conditions that could result to complications. They should also maintain healthy diet while taking prenatal vitamins. Likewise, pregnant women should take good care of their bodies by relaxing and taking rests and avoiding too much stress, not drinking alcoholic beverage and not smoking.

B-Breastfeeding kay baby

            Breastfeeding, as stated by DOH-CAR (2014), is the best way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of babies. Breastmilk, dubbed as “Nature’s Superfood” provides all the energy and essential nutrients from birth up to 6 months of life. The first few drops of breastmilk called colostrum contains antibodies that protect babies against infectious and chronic diseases, such as diarrhea or pneumonia. Breastfeeding also strengthens the bond between mother and child and reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer of the mother.  

K-Komplementary feeding na sapat

            In addition to milk after 6 months of age, the child should be given other foods (variety of nutritious foods). Feeding should be done slowly, patiently, and gradually (in terms of amount) to encourage the baby to eat. Good hygiene and proper food handling should always be observed when preparing food for the baby. Remember as well that breastfeeding should be continued on demand until 2 years old and beyond. (DOH-CAR, 2014).

D-Dapat lahat suportado ang PPAN

            The Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) is an integrated program for nutrition interventions formulated by the National Nutrition Council (NNC). This aims to eradicate malnutrition problems that affect a major proportion of Filipinos, particularly infants and pre-school children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers (Barba, 2000). We can support the PPAN by partaking in the activities and advocacy programs, among others, generated under it.

Indeed, nutrition is everybody’s business. Let us do our individual parts to raise a #Laking1000 generation. Let us give focus and importance and as well as raise awareness on the #First1000Days for a healthier community, healthier country, and a better future for generations to come.

May pag-asa sa ABAKADA!

SIMON B. COPEZ & BELLA M. BASALONG

References:

https://thousanddays.org/wp-content/uploads/1000Days-Nutrition_Brief_Brain-Think_Babies_FINAL.pdf

https://thousanddays.org/why-1000-days/

https://caro.doh.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Breastfeeding.pdf

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/156482650002100431#:~:text=The%20Philippine%20Plan%20of%20Action%20for%20Nutrition%20(PPAN)%20is%20the,programmes%20and%20projects%20and%20has