Double Dose

This first-of-its-kind programme will help mothers-to-be and new mothers understand the significance of nutrition in theirs and their baby’s health

Pregnancy is a critical window for the future health of both the infant and the mother. Research indicates that many diseases that manifest in adulthood may have their origins in the foetal stage. Now,’Healthy Mother Healthy Baby’ – an educational programme on good nutrition for mothers – has been launched by Abbott Laboratories,a global health care firm,in partnership with doctors and nutritionists across 150 towns in India. The programme is part of National Nutrition Week,which is celebrated between September 1 and 7. The initiative aims at helping mothers-to-be and recent mothers aware of the critical importance of nutrition in their diet. Speaking on the initiative,Dr Chittaranjan Yajnik,director,KEM Diabetes Unit,Pune,and recipient of the prestigious David Barker medal,says,”Having the right and balanced nutrition during pregnancy and lactation are key elements to good health for both the mother and the baby.” Yajnik,who is well-known for his description of the “thin-fat” Indian and the possible role of maternal micronutrient nutrition in its etiology,points out that nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding has a significant impact on the mother’s health and the growth and development of the baby. Abbott Healthy Mother Healthy Baby initiative is focused on nutritional counselling for mothers,as it is critical that mothers understand that having a well-balanced nutritional intake during pregnancy and breast feeding stage can have long term implications on the baby’s health,right into its adulthood.

Organised under the banner of ‘Mama’s Best’ supplement,the programme is a first-of-its-kind initiative in India,and will see these experts also provide personalised,pre-natal counselling with emphasis on the importance of pregnancy nutrition,exercise and diet. Women will benefit from informative sessions on how their body is the source of vital growth nutrients for their baby in its foetal and breast-feeding years.

The occasion will also see the launch of India’s first ever nutritional tele-counselling facility. Mothers can call on the toll-free number 1800-22-0046 from anywhere in India to seek expert nutri-counselling. A new website http://www.healthymotherhealthybaby.in will also be launched that will give mothers access to comprehensive information on nutrition and health,including access to a pregnancy calendar,hospital checklists,exercise during pregnancy and health tips.