Caloocan City conducts “Buntis Congress” to promote the importance of good nutrition during the First 1,000 days for both mother and child.

The “First 1,000 days” or the first day of pregnancy until 2 years of age of the child is the period of rapid growth and development. This period is the critical window of opportunity to shape the child’s long-term health. Thus, providing optimum nutrition during this period is important to ensure a healthy life for the child.

For the past 11 years, Caloocan City has been conducting “Buntis Congress” for women who are in their first trimester of pregnancy. They are oriented on different topics such as HIV 101, quality pre-natal care, family planning and newborn screening.

During the Buntis Congress, pregnant mothers are encouraged to go to the health center for maternal health and nutrition services such prenatal check-up, tetanus toxoid immunization, HIV testing, micronutrient supplementation, oral health care services, family planning and counseling on proper nutrition and breastfeeding. Pregnant women are also reminded to give birth in the health facility assisted by a health professional.

Pregnant mothers should avail of this package of maternal care provided by the health centers for free to ensure safe motherhood and good nutrition not only for themselves but more so for their babies. A healthy pregnant mother will give birth to a healthy baby.

Written by Ms. Maria Teresa G. Abando, Nutritionist-Dietitian II, Caloocan City

Ms. Abando is a member of the NCR Nutrition Writers’ Guild and the NCR Nutrition Communication Resource (NCR2) Group. She is also the Treasurer of the City/District Nutrition Program Coordinators’ of Metro Manila Association, Inc.