The First 1000 Days is the “golden window of opportunity” to prevent stunting and cut the generational cycle of malnutrition starting from pregnancy, first 6 months, and up to 2 years of life. Correlating to that, nutrition during infancy is a crucial period for the formation of the brain, laying the foundation for the development of cognitive, motor, and socio-emotional skills throughout childhood and adulthood. Nutritional deficiencies during infancy are likely to affect cognition, behavior, and productivity throughout the school years and adulthood. Undernutrition in the First 1000 Days is largely irreversible, particularly in intellectual performance and can be fatal. Thus, babies at this stage need proper nutrition for rapid growth and development.
As stipulated in the Kumainment No. 2, “Sa unang 6 months ni baby, breastfeeding lamang; mula 6 months, bigyan din siya ng ibang angkop na pagkain. Breastmilk (no formula, juice, or water) as the baby’s first food has basic essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as water to keep her hydrated. It is not an ordinary food – it has more value than nutrition alone such as antioxidants, enzymes, immune properties, and live antibodies from the mother. A healthy and varied diet during lactation ensures adequate maternal nutrition and optimal concentration of some nutrients in human milk. Exclusive breastfeeding meets the nutritional needs of infants for 6 months of life but exclusion of vitamins D and K, which should be given as supplements.
Aside from the baby’s nutrition, lactating mothers should also have adequate nutrition. The Pinggang Pinoy™ for pregnant mothers and lactating women, a healthy food plate that was developed by DOST – FNRI can be used as a guide to the right food group proportions per meal basis to meet energy nutrient needs.
Lactating women should consume the following:
- GO foods, the Energy Giving which include or any of the following 1 ½ cups of cooked rice, 1 ½ medium pieces of root crops (ex. Kamote), 1 ½ cups of cooked noodles or pasta, 6 pieces of small pandesal or 6 slices of small loaf bread, and other carbohydrate-rich foods, which provide energy to support bodily functions and physical activity.
- GLOW foods, the Body Regulating consist of a wide variety of fruits either 1 medium-size fruit (ex. Saging, manga, orange) or 1 slice of big fruit (ex. Papaya, pinya, pakwan) and 1-1 ½ cups of vegetables which are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber needed for regulation of body processes.
- GROW foods, the Body Building such as 2 pcs medium variety of fish (ex. Galunggong) or 3 slices of a large variety of fish (ex. Bangus), shellfish, 3 servings of lean meat (ex. Chicken, pork, beef), 2 pieces of medium chicken leg, 3 pcs of tokwa, 1 piece of a small chicken egg, shellfish and dried beans and nuts. It is advised for mothers to consume enough iron-rich foods like animal-based protein foods and also include fatty fish in the diet (ex. tuna, sardines, and mackerel) 2-3 times a week to provide essential fatty acids for the child’s brain development. Moreover, lactating mothers are encouraged to consume milk, milk products, and other calcium-rich foods like dilis and small shrimps for strong bones and teeth.
- Water is also important for the body’s hydration. Lactating mothers should drink 10 or more glasses of water throughout the day or 1 glass of milk daily and must limit intake of sugar-sweetened beverages.
Breastfeeding has a benefit both to the mother and the baby since it is ideal nutrition and it plays a role in the lifecycle. Moreover, F1KD is one of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition's (PPAN) main thrusts. The Republic Act 11148 or the First 1000 Days (F1KD) law prompted LGUs to prioritize interventions and investments for the first 1000 days of a child's life. Hence, through collaborative efforts, we can be a champion of future generations and attain good nutrition from pregnancy, lactating and beyond.#PNFP Julianne Janine Carrillo
