Pregnancy to age 2
Nutrition for Mothers
Strong mothers, strong beginnings.
A mother's diet is the first meal a child ever eats: it is the soil the seed grows in.
The first 1,000 days, from conception to a child's second birthday, shape lifelong health. This programme helps families and communities make sure mothers eat well, stay free of anaemia and are supported to breastfeed.
Why it matters
- The first 1,000 days shape a child's growth, immunity and brain development for life.
- Anaemia in pregnancy raises the risk of low birth weight and premature birth.
- Good nutrition while breastfeeding protects both mother and baby.
Key practices
- Eat a varied plate every day: grains, pulses, vegetables, fruit, milk or curd, and eggs, fish or meat if you eat them.
- Take iron-folic acid and calcium tablets as prescribed during antenatal care.
- Have haemoglobin and weight checked at every antenatal visit.
- Eat a little extra and rest more; avoid alcohol and tobacco completely.
- Breastfeed within the first hour of birth and exclusively for six months, and keep eating well while you do.
How each role can help
- Parents & carersShare meals and chores so the mother eats well and rests.
- Village leadersTrack take-home rations, IFA tablets and anaemia checks with the Anganwadi worker and ASHA.
- School leadersTeach adolescents about nutrition and anaemia, years before they become parents.
- City locality leadersRun nutrition camps and support breastfeeding spaces at workplaces and markets.
- Donors & CSR partnersFund nutrition kits, anaemia screening and training for ASHAs and Anganwadi workers.
- Government leadersKeep take-home rations, IFA supply and PMMVY payments reaching every pregnant woman on time.
Bring Nutrition for Mothers to your community
Tell us who you are and where you work. We'll help you plan the first steps.
Related ages
General guidance only. Follow your doctor's or ANM's advice for your own pregnancy.