It is essential to highlight the importance of the earliest days in a person’s life, including the time spent in the mother’s womb, during which the baby is influenced by everything that happens to or around the mother. Accordingly, the Egyptian Ministry of Health has taken great interest in these critical days, launching a campaign since 2023 to guide and advise women on their importance.
If we want to raise a well-rounded, healthy child, we must understand the significance of the days of pregnancy and postnatal care — covering up to one thousand days. “nadormagazine” spoke in a special interview with obstetrics and gynecology consultant Dr. Sherine Fallah about what is known as the "Golden 1,000 Days" in a child’s life, how it relates to the child’s physical and psychological health throughout their life, and the mother’s role in this crucial period.
Why Are the First 1,000 Days Called the "Golden Days"?
Scientific studies have shown that the first 1,000 golden days — encompassing pregnancy and the first two years after birth (the cradle years) — are when approximately 85% of the child’s physical, skill, and intellectual capacities are formed. These days have been called "golden" because if utilized well by the mother, they ensure the child’s excellent development and future health.
Egypt, one of the countries with a high birth rate, has adopted this initiative and achieved significant results. It is necessary for any country to prioritize the health and psychological well-being of mothers and children. This awareness campaign has led to a noticeable decrease in unplanned pregnancies after the first birth, increased focus on reproductive health, improved rates of breastfeeding, safer natural births, and the provision of well-equipped neonatal incubators to reduce deaths among premature infants.
The Science Behind the Golden Days
Science has identified “sensory centers” in the body responsible for building human abilities and skills. The best performance of these centers occurs during the first 1,000 golden days, known scientifically as “windows of opportunity.” Properly harnessing these windows allows the individual to develop on strong health, social, and psychological foundations.
The Golden Days During Pregnancy
Many mothers, doctors, and educators have neglected the pregnancy period — which lasts about nine months (approximately 280 days). The mother should not only care for her own health and that of the fetus but also recognize that the baby inside her is a feeling being. The mother should treat the fetus accordingly.
It is important to maintain good mental health and receive support, especially from the husband, during pregnancy. Begin by relaxing and talking to the baby, especially in the presence of the father. The benefits of talking to the fetus are astonishing: the baby recognizes the mother’s and then the father’s voice, experiences happiness, which enhances growth and early development of language and cognitive abilities, and feels safe and reassured, which positively affects growth rates.
The Golden Days During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding success is essential, as it should be the first and ideal choice for feeding the newborn. Its benefits are amazing for both mother and baby — not only in health (such as boosting the baby’s immunity and helping the mother’s uterus return to its normal size) but also psychological and behavioral benefits.
Breastfeeding helps protect the mother from postpartum depression, improves her mood, and helps her regain her fitness. For the baby, breastfeeding is linked to fewer risks of autism and hyperactivity, and it strengthens the bond with the mother, protecting the child from potential adolescent issues.
The Mother-Child Relationship During the First Two Years
Parenting is different from mere caregiving. Building a good relationship and positive parenting starts with treating the baby as a sensitive and intelligent human from the very first days. The false belief that babies don’t feel or understand leads to negative consequences because emotional and psychological connection cannot be replaced by anyone else, even if all physical needs are met.
Make eye contact with your baby immediately after birth during feeding and diaper changes. Keep communicating with your baby even if they don’t speak yet — they observe your tone and associate emotions with you, which strengthens their psychological health. A healthy psyche boosts the baby’s immunity and promotes physical growth and motor skills. Babies whose mothers engage them with age-appropriate interactive play show notable progress in abilities and language development.
The first two years, or the cradle years, are a period of discovery that shapes the child’s future life path. You should monitor your child’s development and be alert to signs of delays, such as late sitting or walking, which can be addressed early unless linked to neurological causes.
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