Important messages:
 

• First 1,000 days and the prevention of stunting:
  - The first 1,000 days covers the period of 9 months pregnancy + first 24 months of life
  - During this period children grow at very high speed: they triple their weight, almost double their height, and their brain makes millions of connections
  - This period is crucial for helping children to reach their full potential
  - Even before birth, the fetus is at risk if the mother lacks essential nutrients needed for the brain, bone, and organ development of the baby
  
  Note: Most stunting (low height-for-age) happens in this critical period and is almost always irreversible!
   

• Growth monitoring and promotion is very important:
  - Measuring the height and weight of a child regularly is important to make sure the child grows and develops well
  - The weight and height of a child can be seen and measured, but the most important growth of the brain cannot be seen, however, if we see that a child grows well in height, we can assume that the brain also is developing well 
  
  Note: The baby's weight should be measured monthly and the height every 3 months at the local health center or MindUp 

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• Breastfeeding
  
  Read and watch the videos about:
  - The importance of exclusive breastfeeding (the baby only receives breastmilk, no other liquids or solids are given - not even water) in the first 6 months of life
  - Breastfeeding positions and attachment to the breast (when necessary)
  - Benefits of breastmilk over animal milk or formula milk
  
  Note: If you are experiencing any problems with breastfeeding, it is good to discuss this with a MUM or a health care professional.
   

• Responsive feeding and caring:
  
  It is very important to respond to the baby’s cues for feeding and comfort in order for the child to develop well and reach its full potential. 
   

• Take vitamin A supplements:
  - You should take a vitamin A supplement right after birth (or within a few weeks) and one in 6 months after birth, this is important to ensure good health and protection against infections for both you and your child.
  - Vitamin A boosts your immune system and the baby receives vitamin A through breastmilk
  - Make sure your child gets a vitamin A capsule at 6 months of age
   

• You should eat the following in the period that you are breastfeeding:
  - Continue to eat a few extra healthy snacks a day while breastfeeding
  - Drink plenty of water (2 Liters a day) and juice
  - Eat a healthy and diverse diet
  - There are no special foods required to produce an adequate amount of breastmilk, the baby will make sure there is enough produced by drinking often
   

• When your baby is 6 months of age, you can start complementary feeding:
  - At 6 months of age, breastmilk alone is no longer enough to meet the nutritional requirements of the baby, other foods and liquids are needed along with breastmilk
  - Complementary feeding is the transition between exclusive breastfeeding and family foods
  - Complementary feeding covers the period from 6-24 months of age, even though breastfeeding may continue to two years of age and beyond
  
  Note: Breastmilk is still the most important nutrition source at this age
   

• Child development 
  
  Developmental milestones:
  - Eating skills: Breastfeeding is best (0-6 months) - Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is the best nutritional start for babies, tongue moves forward and back to suck.
  - Brain & Cognitive Development: By 4 months a child can grab objects. Movements become more purposeful, improved eye-hand coordination (able to transfer an object from one hand to the other), start to babble.
  - Emotional Development: smiles for attention, exhibits fear, anger, and disgust through crying.
  - Physical Changes: sits with help/support, on tummy pushes up on arms with straight elbows.
  - Physiological Changes: doubles birth weight by 6 months, development of the acquired immune system, visual acuity and hearing mature.

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