Cebu City - The term "first 1,000 days" refers to a child's life from the time of conception until the child turns two years old (24 months). During this period, their immune system, body, and brain all significantly develop and grow. This specific period of life will determine on how the baby will grow and without proper knowledge of what you give your baby, it can affect their growth and progress. Nutrition plays a vital role in this period. Breastfeeding is the most important thing to consider in this period, especially in the first six months. The milk that comes from breastfeeding contains nutrients that is very vital in the growth of the baby.

It is crucial for a mother to keep track of the nutrition she consumes during her breastfeeding period. Nutrition for nursing moms not only promotes physical health but also the production of breast milk, which is essential for the growth and development of the infant.

The mammary glands release colostrum as the first type of breastmilk after giving birth. It is rich in nutrients, antibodies, and antioxidants that help a newborn baby's immune system to develop. After your baby is born, it transforms into breast milk within two to four days. Compared to regular breast milk, colostrum is thicker and more yellowish in color.

Colostrum is very high in protein, and it is low in fat and in sugar. The antibodies that are found in colostrum can help the baby’s immune system, protecting the baby from infection and other diseases.

These are some of the benefits of colostrum:

• Strengthens the immunological system of your infant,
• By protecting the intestines, aids in creating a healthy gut. By doing this, dangerous germs are prevented from being absorbed by the body,
• Provides a newborn with the best nutrients,
• A laxative action that lowers the risk of jaundice and aids in the elimination of meconium, the baby's first stool,
• Simple to digest, and
• Helps protect full-term babies from low blood sugar.

During this period of life, it is best to seek help or knowledge from professionals to obtain optimum health for the baby and for the mother. A healthy baby should be the priority for every mother. // PDO I Noah Vincent D. Gallo, RND