Maternal and Infant Health

Key message #1

Women who are supported in eating a nutritious diet will give birth to babies built to thrive.

Proof points:

Good nutrition during critical periods of development supports development of the structure and function of the body’s organs and systems.
When a fetus is undernourished, it uses the available “fuel” to prioritize the growth of vital body parts, like the brain, by skimping on the growth of other body parts, like the kidneys, meaning these babies don’t develop to their full biological potential.

Key message #2

A healthy environment and access to nutritious food will help children succeed in life and as the next generation of parents.

Proof points:

Our adult health is shaped during the earliest moments of life.
Children who started life with good nutrition and a supportive environment have higher IQ’s, fewer behavioral problems and are set-up to succeed in school.

Key message #3

The well-being of pregnant mothers and young children shape their health as well as the health of their future children and grandchildren.

Proof points:

A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have, meaning the eggs that could someday become her children developed and were nourished while she was a fetus during her mother’s pregnancy.
Risks for chronic disease can be passed down through the social and environmental exposures of one generation to the next.

Key message #4

When we support pregnant women and young children in eating nutrient-rich diets we create vibrant communities for all.

Proof points:

While women provide the environment for the developing baby, the community provides the environment for the mother.
We will not drastically improve the health of our communities without focusing on improving the health of pregnant women and young children.