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First 1000 days: New Zealand Mothers’ perceptions of early life nutrition resources

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 February 2021

Jillian Rae Hildreth ,
Mark H. Vickers Open the ORCID record for Mark H. Vickers [Opens in a new window] ,
Clare R. Wall  and
Jacquie L. Bay Open the ORCID record for Jacquie L. Bay [Opens in a new window]
Jillian Rae Hildreth
Affiliation:
Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Victoria Street West, Auckland1142, New Zealand
Mark H. Vickers
Affiliation:
Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Victoria Street West, Auckland1142, New Zealand
Clare R. Wall
Affiliation:
Discipline of Nutrition, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Victoria Street West, Auckland1142, New Zealand
Jacquie L. Bay*
Affiliation:
Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Victoria Street West, Auckland1142, New Zealand
*
Address for correspondence: Jacquie L. Bay, Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Victoria Street West, Auckland1142, New Zealand. Email: j.bay@auckland.ac.nz
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Abstract

Research into associations between early life nutritional exposures and vulnerability to adult non-communicable disease (NCD) highlights the importance of maternal diet. A booklet outlining evidence-based dietary guidelines for the first 1000 days of life was first published in 2016 by early life nutrition experts for distribution to pregnant women in Australia and New Zealand. First-time New Zealand mothers’ (n=9) perceptions of the booklet and its relevance for the future health of their child were explored via semi-structured focus groups and interviews. Recruitment took place via social media channels and antenatal classes around Auckland. Three major themes were identified using thematic analysis: 1. A difference in the ways mothers related to the booklet depending on their apparent level of health literacy and communication preferences; 2. A tendency for women to outsource decision-making to nutrition ‘rules’, rather than interpreting information to suit personal circumstances; 3. Intense pressure to comply, resulting in feelings of shame or guilt when the ‘rules’ were not followed. In this study, first-time mums expressed feeling under pressure to ‘get it right’ and identified a desire for more support from healthcare providers and society. Nutrition education is essential; however, a booklet should provide a starting point for conversation rather than a stand-alone list of recommendations. Further exploration is needed to develop a resource that can be used by health professionals working alongside women and their partners to support healthy child development.

Keywords

Nutrition educationhealth promotionpregnancyearly life nutritiondevelopmental originsfirst 1000 days
Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease , Volume 12 , Issue 6 , December 2021 , pp. 883 - 889
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press in association with International Society for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease

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