Maternal Nutrition: A Vital Link to Child Development on World Health Day

Johannesburg – Today marks World Health Day, observed every year on April 7th, aimed at increasing awareness about significant public health challenges and advocating for enhancements in health and well-being globally.

The theme for this year, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”, centers on maternal and newborn health, emphasizing the crucial influence that nutrition has on shaping a child’s future.

This serves as a vital reminder that our initial experiences in life can profoundly influence our health and overall well-being.

The ongoing campaign seeks to decrease preventable deaths and improve the health of mothers and infants across the globe.

Sonal Ratan, a Dietitian at FUTURELIFE, underscores the essential role of nutrition during pregnancy, which supports the health of the mother and the development of her baby.

“The health of a mother and her child are deeply intertwined and remain closely connected during the initial 1,000 days of a child’s life,” Ratan stated.

“During this pivotal timeframe – from conception to a child’s second birthday – mothers require additional nutrients to promote their baby’s growth during pregnancy and breastfeeding while looking after their own health and well-being,” Ratan continued.

“This period is also remarkable for children’s development, with their bodies and brains growing at an unparalleled pace.”

She further noted, “Proper nutrition fuels this swift growth, affecting a child’s physical and mental progress and establishing a foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.

“It is within these first 1,000 days that the groundwork for lasting wellness is set.”

Ratan points out several key advantages of adequate nutrition during this critical phase affecting various health aspects:

• Optimal Pregnancy Outcomes: For mothers-to-be, it lowers the chances of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, aiding the baby’s healthy development in the womb.

• Brain Development: Promotes the rapid brain development that takes place during this essential period, laying the groundwork for learning, behavior, and cognitive skills.

• Physical Growth: Sufficient nutrients are crucial for physical development, which includes bone and muscle growth.

• Immune System: Aids in the development of the immune system, crucial for protection against infections and diseases.

• Long-term Health: Proper nutrition in early development is instrumental in shielding children from chronic conditions later in life, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

“At FUTURELIFE, we are dedicated to the significant role that nutrition plays in this journey. Consuming a balanced diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding is essential for the health of both mother and baby, yet it can sometimes be challenging,” remarked Ratan.

“With morning sickness and unpredictable cravings during pregnancy, along with fatigue following the baby’s arrival, many mothers find it difficult to meet their daily requirements for key vitamins and minerals. To assist mothers during this vital time, FUTURELIFE has developed MOTHERS FOOD, a selection of shakes and oat bars tailored for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

The focus of World Health Day 2025 on safeguarding maternal and infant health reminds us that their welfare necessitates a holistic approach – one that begins with proper nutrition.

“When every mother and child have access to this essential requirement, every child will have the chance not only to survive but to flourish,” Ratan concluded.

For additional details about MOTHERS FOOD™, please visit https://futurelife.co.za/collections/new-mothers-food.