“Good Nutrition is a foundation of a child’s survival, health, and development”.
Based from what was discussed in today’s lecture, a child’s first 1000 days is crucial for his physical and cognitive development. Adequate nutrition is one of the most important building blocks to ensure the healthy growth and brain development of a child. The first two years of life is the period of rapid neuronal proliferation and when the brain is at its highest plasticity, hence it is absolutely necessary to provide optimal nutrition. Breast milk, which is the most cost-effective yet most efficient source of nutrition offers fatty acids like DHA to aid in the brain’s development and most vitamins that a baby need. It also serves as the baby’s protection against infections and other diseases because of the amount of antibodies it contains. Breastfeeding also prevents illnesses that may manifest later in the adult stage. For example, breastfed babies are less likely to have certain cancers and diabetes. With all the many evidences pointing to the benefits of breastfeeding, it is important that the health sector will educate women the importance of this practice, most especially in nations where malnutrition is most prevalent. Having this goal in mind, we can reduce infant and child mortality rates.
References
- Breastfeeding is best. (2019, April). March of Dimes. https://www.marchofdimes.org/baby/breastfeeding-is-best.aspx#:~:text=It%20helps%20them%20grow%20healthy,your%20baby%20from%20many%20illnesses
- Cusick, S., & Georgieff, M. (2013, April 12). The first 1,000 days of life: The brain’s window of opportunity. UNICEF-IRC. https://www.unicef-irc.org/article/958-the-first-1000-days-of-life-the-brains-window-of-opportunity.html#:~:text=The%20first%201%2C000%20days%20of%20life%20%2D%20the%20time%20spanning%20roughly,across%20the%20lifespan%20are%20established