Cebu City – Almost everywhere in the world the First 1000 days is advertised as of utmost importance during pregnancy and in early childhood. The first 1000 days literally means the start of conception up until 2 years of a child’s growth, and that also is the window of opportunity to ensure complete nutrition. Ever wonder of its importance?

The importance of good nutrition for the first 1000 days screams a healthy growth and future for the child. And with that in the long run comes along the habit of good dietary habits and practices, and that too is important because as we all know maintenance is key to success. The advocacy or awareness campaign of the first 1000 days is to ensure the best possible start of life not just for the child but for the family in general. Practicing good nutrition allows multiple factors to be affected into a good outcome, which later in life is vital.

The first 1000 days process can be a challenge for some families, the need for a substantial support system is crucial for the period of opportunity of development. Here are 5 tips to remember to support your journey through the first 1000 days.

• Exclusive Breastfeeding. Exclusively breastfeed your child for 6 months and continue to breastfeed up until to 2 years.
• Balanced diet for the mother during pregnancy. This is to ensure that both the mother and the child are provided with enough calories and are nutritionally sound. Use the approach when eating “think for two - but don’t eat for two”
• Folic acid for the mother. Vitamin B9 is important during pregnancy for proper neurodevelopment.
• Introducing colorful complementary food. After 6 months of life, you can then introduce soft colorful nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits to ensure sufficient nutrients.
• Vitamin & Mineral Supplementation. Since you are feeding for two people, it’s not certain you will get all nutrients from your meals so it’s imperative to get help from vitamin and mineral supplements. // NO I Gab Flores, RND