The Importance of Nutrition in the First 1000 Days of Life

The first 1000 days of life (HPK) are from the start of pregnancy until the child is 2 years old. A child's optimal growth and development are largely determined by the quality of their feeding during this period. Mothers or caregivers must understand, be able to, and be skilled in providing appropriate baby food and giving it in the right way. Growth and development in toddlerhood are very fast, especially in the first two years.

Babies aged 0–6 months are given exclusive breast milk (only breast milk without additional food or drink until the baby is 6 months old). Increase breast milk production by stimulating the hormone oxytocin, a hormone that will help express breast milk, and increasing the amount of the hormone that stimulates breast milk production (prolactin hormone).

The hormone oxytocin is often referred to as the "affection hormone" or "love hormone" because of its key role in helping regulate social behavior and emotional relationships. Several factors and situations can stimulate the release of oxytocin, namely the mother feeling comfortable, safe, and happy, feeling affection for her baby, seeing her cute baby, and hearing her baby's cute voice. Several factors and situations can inhibit the release of oxytocin, namely worry, anxiety, sadness, lack of self-confidence, aches or pains, indecision, cigarette smoke, and fatigue.

The key to successful breastfeeding is that the baby drinks easily and effectively, while breastfeeding is important for their growth and well-being. The baby gains weight well, and breastfeeding is the main way to provide nutrition to the baby and ensure the baby breastfeeds well and effectively, resulting in healthy breasts.

Good baby positioning when breastfeeding is key to ensuring the baby can breastfeed effectively and comfortably. Signs of a good baby position when the baby is breastfeeding, namely the baby's body is straight (head and ears in one line) and fully supported, the baby's body is facing and attached to the mother, and the nipples are pointing towards the baby's nose. If you are having difficulty or have questions about breastfeeding positions, consult a lactation counselor or health professional.

Signs of a good attachment when breastfeeding, namely the baby's mouth is wide open, the areola (the dark colored part around the nipple) is more visible at the top of the baby's mouth, the baby's lower lip is open, and the chin is pressed against the mother's breast.

Stages of development of a child's eating, namely: 0–4 months attached to the mother's breast and moving the jaw back and forth to express breast milk; 4–8 months moving food from a spoon to the mouth with the head upright; 9–11 months moving food to the right and left with the tongue holding an object with index and thumb; 12–13 months stronger chewing movements; picking up food; drinking from a glass; and walking.

Breast milk alone is not enough after the baby is 6 months old. Complementary breast milk (MP-ASI) begins to be given when the child can sit up and hold his head upright, shows interest in food and starts trying to reach for food, shows signs of hunger even though he has had enough breast milk, and purses his lips when a spoon is given to his mouth. MPASI starts with a small amount and then increases the amount as the child gets older.

Food sources for MP-ASI, namely:

• Staple foods such as cereals (grains such as rice and wheat), tubers, corn, bread, pasta, noodles, vermicelli, etc. contain mainly carbohydrates (energy).
• Animal or fish side dishes are a good source of protein, iron, and zinc. The liver also provides vitamin A and folate. Various sources of animal protein include meat, poultry, eggs, fish, and other seafood.
• Dairy products such as cow's milk, goat's milk, etc., cheese, and yoghurt are useful as sources of calcium, protein, energy, and vitamin B.
• Legumes such as peas, kidney beans, lentils, peanuts, and soybeans are good sources of protein and also contain iron, tofu, and tempeh.
• Fruits and vegetables. Orange fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkin, mango, and papaya, and dark-colored leaves, such as spinach, are rich sources of vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the absorption of iron.
• Fats and oils are very important in MPASI because they contain a lot of energy.

Give MP-ASI from a variety of food sources to meet all nutritional needs, including energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, etc. The biggest deficiency of breast milk micronutrients after a baby is 6 months old is mainly iron, followed by vitamin A, and the biggest source is chicken liver.

There are five keys to food safety: maintaining cleanliness (food ingredients, washing hands, washing cutlery), separating fresh food from cooked food, cooking well until completely cooked, storing food at a safe temperature, eating it immediately after it is prepared (within 1 hour), and using clean water and safe raw materials.

The importance of nutrition in the first 1000 days of life shows how crucial the role of parents, family, and society is in providing support to ensure children get optimal nutrition during their early development period. This forms the basis of a child's future health and well-being.

Download the Hermina Mobile Apps application to facilitate health access and registration at Hermina Arcamanik Hospital.