Mother Health & Nutrition

Mother Health & Nutrition is a core component of Maternal and Infant Health and Nutrition, emphasizing how maternal diet, breastfeeding, and early-life feeding practices shape both maternal well-being and child development.

According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, every infant has the right to good nutrition, and breastmilk is recognized as the ideal food for infants. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months to support optimal growth and immune protection.

The first 1,000 days—from conception to age two—represent a critical period highlighted across Maternal Health Science and Mother–Child Health Sciences. Nutrition during this window influences immune, endocrine, metabolic, and neural pathways, while suboptimal feeding can lead to lifelong and intergenerational consequences. Early-life microbiota development also plays a central role in shaping these systems, with long-term impacts on health.

Beyond the first 1,000 days, adequate nutrition throughout infancy and childhood remains essential for growth, cognitive development, and reducing future risk of noncommunicable diseases. Evidence-based nutrition guidance and access to reliable resources empower families and healthcare professionals to support healthier outcomes for mothers and children.