A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND DAYS
The first 1000 days of life are the most critical time of human development. It is during the first 1000 days of life that the human brain is developing most rapidly, from a simple neural tube into the most complex organ in biological existence. During this time, millions upon millions of neurons are being laid down and connected to each other. As well, the brain is setting up vital connections with other organ systems throughout the body. What occurs in these first 1000 days may bless or haunt a child forever.
A healthy first 1000 days establishes a solid platform for the physical, mental and relational health of children that will last them for the rest of their lives!
Tragically, the opposite also holds true. Malnutrition, birth difficulties, repetitive illnesses, poor infant nutrition and physical or emotional trauma experienced during this time can cause irreparable damage.
Creating and supporting a healthy first 1000 days of life is an exercise in
Together We are Healthy
It is through the togetherness of husband and wife that an expectant mother is treated with respect and care, receives good nutrition and is supported in accessing safe birth.
It is through the togetherness of mother and infant that a baby is breastfed or has access to safe replacement feedings.
It is through the togetherness of parents that a child receives love, care and secure attachments that lay the groundwork for a healthy mind and body.
Sadly, one of the devastating consequences of poor maternal and infant nutrition in the first 1000 days is stunting.
Stunting is defined as low height-for-age. It is the result of chronic or recurrent undernutrition, usually associated with poverty, poor maternal health and nutrition, frequent illness and/or inappropriate feeding and care in early life. Stunting prevents children from reaching their physical and cognitive potential.
In rural Africa,
30 to 50%
of children experience stunting!
Stunting cannot be treated or cured – it must be prevented from occurring in the first place.
MLI’s program, A Journey of a Thousand Days, is presented by facilitator couples through a participatory process at the parish and community level. Research has shown its impact on helping couples recognize the importance of this critical time. Changes made by couples have ranged from prioritizing the nutritional health of the pregnant mother, changing employment situations to ensure mothers can successfully breastfeed, and in husband’s assuming greater responsibility for the care and support of the mother and infant.
Poverty most certainly is the reason for the prevalence of stunting in Africa. However, we have found that food scarcity is not always the reason for malnutrition. With a little education on nutrition, and couples working the Together We Are Healthy model, a child, even one growing up in the most challenging of circumstances, can still have a competitive edge, and a chance to live a purpose-filled, rewarding life, if those first thousand days are nurtured and protected.
In 2023 we plan to take A Journey of a Thousand Days to Rwanda, where more than 36% of the children are considered stunted.
You can be part of this journey too, by supporting this good work.
*If you would like to learn more about A Journey of a Thousand Days, and receive a copy of our training manual, please contact MLI at maternallifeinfo@gmail.com