Our genetics are very important. Our environment is very important.Mother and child bond is deeper than you can imagine.
The big question:
What should be the most important criteria for a well balanced, intelligent and healthy child?
That is a billion dollar question.While genetics and the exact IQ of a child has a lot to do with God’s blessing, as a mom you can do a lot.
Role of genetics and environment on a healthy intelligent child: Baby IQ
You are literally the sun in the life of your unborn child.Your flesh, blood your soul.
Genetics you share with hubby.
The unborn child’s environment is you.
The external sound and the father’s voice are all heard by the child. But what you as a mommy eat, think, feel, do and decide will and can change your unborn child’s trajectory forever.
Mother’s nutrition
This opportunity is golden to help your child. Health is a habit. It’s a lifestyle choice. It doesn’t work as a fad. If you smoke, drink alcohol while planning a baby, be careful. This will not only affect your health but also that of your unborn child. If you think negative and are surrounded by negativity, it can be extraordinarily stressful for both of you.
The right nutrition, right stimulation at the right time, in the right amount and the right way can be life-changing. It minutely affects baby’s body and baby brain development.
Not having enough protein, calcium, iron, vitamin D, folic acid and other micronutrients can give your unborn child unnecessary stress and challenges too. Breastfeeding is an important way of providing the right amount of nutrition to the child. In case of preterm babies other than breastfeeding additional nutritional support may be needed under strict supervision for adequate growth.
Mother’s role in infant nutrition and cognition:
Baby food and infant cognition go hand in hand. Stimulation with various methods and creative play can aid infant cognition.
What does research say: the two hit theory
Do you know about the two hit theory of gestational stress? Children when exposed to intrauterine stress in mother’s womb feel every wave of negative emotions that the stressful situation brings.
The Barker Hypothesis proposed in 1990 by the British epidemiologist David Barker (b. 1939) that intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight, and premature birth have a causal relationship to the origins of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes, in middle age.
This suggests that there is a fetal origin of adult lifestyle diseases.Whenever you worry, your blood pressure increases and the corticosteroids flood your bloodstream.This can precipitate gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension. It can also make the unborn child face similar risks when facing stress after being born.
What is Feed IQ?How can you help develop the baby brain?
A baby’s brain development is based on the environment, genetics and nourishment she/he receives in utero and via breastfeeding. The right stimulation that is infant brain exercises also boosts infant cognition.
So when a mother takes care of what she eats, she is literally feeding IQ to her baby!
As a mom, you are the sun: Smart moms start early
When I write today I thank my mom. Everything I am today is because of God’s blessing and my mom’s firm belief in exposure to creativity and education. From my earliest memories, I remember my mom reading to me. My growing up memories are full of books. The libraries and the book fairs were my Disneyland.
Moms need to start early. Preconception planning can go a long way in giving the unborn child the best chances for a healthy adult life in all ways.
The first step is a healthy lifestyle before conception.The next step is a healthy pregnancy focussing on nutrition and being stress-free.
The third step is the infant. Up to two years of age, their brain is ready to learn anything.Their nutrition, and physical and brain development go hand in hand.There is no way to forget the role of infant nutrition and infant cognitive growth in the future adult.
Takeaway:
- Eat the right type of food.
- Take the right supplements and medicines before conception, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Sometimes you may need additional nutritional support for an infant under doctor’s supervision.Take the right decision at the right time.
- As a mother, you have a lot of responsibility to start early. Mind, body, spirit, and health starts in the womb for the child and continues after birth.
Start early, do the right thing at the right time.Health indeed is the biggest blessing.
Disclaimer: This article is meant to help create awareness and spread knowledge. All decision regarding your health and child’s health should be done after consultation with your doctor.Read my full disclosure hereWhile all efforts are made to keep articles updated the speed of research in these fields mean the information often may change when more research knowledge is available. Healthwealthbridge or the authors should be in no way held responsible in that case.
Written after consultation and discussion with Dr. Abhijit Misra (MD Pediatrician – Healthwealthbridge board of advisors).
Reference: Nelson Text Book of Pediatrics
Thats such a great and informative post, I would definitely share it with my mommy- to- be sister.
That’s such an insightful post about child amd mother nutrition. No doubt this much needed
Such an insightful post. I agree child gets his /her first nutrition from mother. Right eating and lifestyle will reflect on child too. I also understand the importance of folic acid and other nutrients for child’s development.
This is so true a wealth of information Dr Amrita. Feeding the brain is the operative phrase here. Environment and not taking stress during pregnancy is also equally important
This is such an insightful post that every mommy-to-be must read. I agree with your point that a mother’s diet affects the child too. Sharing this 🙂
This is such an important post not only for every woman who are undergoing this phase but also for their family. There is so much of carelessness and negligence prevalent in some families.
Great insights!! You are right about starting early. The foundation is laid in the womb itself. After the baby is delivered, nurturing the baby’s capabilities to their max potential is parent’s responsibility.
Raising a kid is really challenging when it comes to nutritional aspect. We as moms need to do so much to help our babies get all the richness of natural foods for their brain and body development. Great learning.
Whenever I read your posts I learn new things. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! I think this post is very needful for moms to be. I didnt know much but what I knew is, during your pregnancy days, one has to be happy, healthy and stress free.
But I didnt enjoy my baby bump. I had diagnosed with pox. You can checkout my pregnancy story
Great article that helps one understanding the science behind childs brain development. A lot of factors seem to matter apart from genetics. Thanks for sharing the article.
wow, this must be read by every woman transitioning into pregnancy. so imp that a woman takes care of her body and mind during this beautiful period.
I am saving this post Amrita. Most useful post for new moms who have doubts aplenty.
Thank you.
A much needed post. People need to be aware of the importance of a mother’s nutrition at the time of pregnancy. Moreover, it is absolutely necessary for the mother to be in a peaceful and stress-free environment
Thank you for any other informative web site. The place else may just I get that type of info written in such an ideal way? I have a venture that I am simply now running on, and I have been at the glance out for such info.
That was a great read. Being the mother to two kids I can’t agree more with you about these ideologies. #superbloggerchallenge2018 #instacuppa
Amazing and informative post. Very useful and beneficial tips for mommies nutrition. Great thought.
You shared a lot of facts which a normal mother to be would never know. Truly, mom is the sun in the child’s life.
#SuperBloggerChallenge2018
Thank you Paresh
I was always told by my granny that your baby will be what you eat! I just thought she said that for me to eat more! Never realized there was a deeper meaning to it.
Yes Grannies are smart!
Such a wonderful post to read . I am sure many parent would benefit from reading this
Good article on the things that need to be done for our child. Many points mentioned are not taken care, hopefully this will act as good awareness. Will definitely share with friends.
This is really a wonderful post Amrita. The word that struck me hard, is stress. I am really worried how to plan everything with so much lack of work life balance. Although I try hard, but job takes most time n energy.
#superbloggerchallenge2018 #instacuppa
It will be fine.Dont worry.Plan smart
informative and insightful post
Thank you
Being a mom is the greatest blessings. While at it, every woman gives the most of what she can. Starting early in terms of food and other activities is a boon for the child. Loved the post it is very informative #SuperBloggerChallenge2018
Thanks Snehal
This is such an enriching post Doc! Thanks for sharing. I am sure this is one thing I will remember in the times to come 🙂
Thanks Sushmita
Very insightful post Amrita. Taking care of herself with taking proper supplements is so important for the expecting mother. And also for the well being of the baby.
Thanks Shipra
It’s a big blessing to a woman that she carries a new life inside her for 9 months. She needs to be happy always because it is what is going to nurture the child
Thanks Geethica
The most beautiful bond of a mom and a baby . Lovly post . Mom is the sun that is going to give brightness to the baby . Let’s have a healthy bond . Great tips Dr Amrita , regards to your great Mom
Thanks Monika
The last line is to be highlighted. Health indeed is a blessing. we should eat properly and follow healthy lifestyle during pregnancy which will be our first gift to our child.
Thanks Ramya.
The right kind of supplements is so necessary. I always had folvyte and needed some iron capsules due to low hemoglobin.
Yes those are very important.
Hadn’t thought of the Barker hypothesis for so long. But it is relevant, isn’t it?
Yes its is relevent.
You are talking about a divine bond created by God. Loved the post.
Yes, you are right!
Beautiful comment. The mother’s body is the environment of the unborn child. The sperm impregnates the egg and its job is over. It is up to the mother’s body to nurture the embryo at every stage. Excellent article. #SuperBloggerChallenge2018
Thank you, Jai
Informative post , Being stress free is so important at every stage , pregnancy and even after that for the well being of our kids .
#Superbloggerchallenge2018
Thank you
Nothing is more precious than a mother-child relationship. A healthy mother makes her child healthy. Great post. A must read for all the women and the ones who care for women.
Thank you Abhishek.
Thank you Abhishek.Glad you agree.
Wonderful articles for every mom to be. Eating right, positive state of mind are utterly important. I am feeling happy i too read a lot to my daughter and hoping that may be one day she’ll thank me for it????????????
Mann????
#superbloggerchallenge2018
Oh, she will.I guarantee that!
I am believing that????
Interesting post, took me back to my pregnancy days when I used to crave for sugar and it was not allowed at all. There were so many dos and don’ts in eating but I am happy I trusted my doctor and survived well on healthy and nutritious foods 🙂
Yes its good to be sensible and healthy especially when pregnant.Other times it may not matter so much!
This is such important piece of advice that you have shared for all women. Very crucial to realise the gravity of the impact a mother can have even before the child is born.
Eating the right food certainly is a big plus point! Even today my kids would always opt for a dal roti subzi over a pizza and burger. Inculcating healthy habits is such a plus point.
This is actually a very relevant post. Especially in these days when even the pregnant women go for junk food and fast food!! #superbloggerchallenge2018 #instacuppa
This is actually a very relevant post. Especially because these days people go for junk food and fast food even during pregnancy!
Really they do?I thought we were more aware nowadays.
I too had such a thought. But I was abroad when I got pregnant for the second time, and I had friends who used to have all these while they were pregnant!
That’s worrying .
eating for 2 is an old saying which now makes perfect sense. nutritionally balanced diet for both mother and child for healthy child. #superbloggerchallange2018
Great and super informative post, and Yes! I agree a mother’s diet has a direct effect on growth and development of unborn child. it is very important that expectant mother eats well, sleep well and should remain free from stress and worries.
Yes I think so too.
Your blogs are loaded with information, very helpful and insightful.
The development of child’s brain starts with mother’s nutrition.
I am surely gonna refer this when I plan baby.
Thanks Aritra.
The takeaways are great. very succinctly put! I had no clue about pre-conception planning and it’s impact on the baby. Learnt something new 🙂
Thanks Anks.
I can see the effect of taking good diet in my pregnancy. My Kiddo loves fruits and pulses.
Mother’s Nutrition is very important for the child’s wellbeing. It lays the perfect foundation for the coming years.
You put it so well – Healthy lifestyle is a habit and we can surely pass it on to our children. This shows the impact that right nutrition has
Thanks for such an insightful post about mother-child bond and its effect on child’s early brain development. You always amaze us with your informative posts. Must read by all moms and moms-to-be out there.
Thanks Neha
Rightly said, what we eat is of utmost importance for the baby. Starting early on is the key!
Yes Disha .Thats true
Insightful article Dr on Feed IQ and how a mother’s diet, state of mind and outlook impacts the baby, bless your mom for the wonderful habbit of reading books she inculcated in you
Oh yes ,moms are great
An early start of right kind of nutrition is a boost for mother as well as child’s growth. FeedIQ is best concept for moms and growing babies.
True Dipika
Great post, Amrita. I am extremely careful about the intake during pregnancy. But I didn’t know about the Two Hit Theory. Well, can only come from a well-informed doctor. 🙂 Will keep this in mind during the current pregnancy.
Thanks Rashi.
Indeed Proper Nutrition and Brain exercise play vital role in baby brain development. The proper Approach makes the baby Feed IQ higher
Veey true Dr.Bushra
Starting early is good and surely makes a difference. Coming from a doctor, this is surely a helpful post.
Thanks Deepa
A very enlightening post and a must read for all expecting and new mothers. The mother is indeed the sun and around her revolves the well-being of her progeny. The crucial factors affecting the health and development of a baby are closely associated with nutrition of mother. Taking notice of and paying attention to what you eat during this time to ensure good health and development of the baby is really very important.
Thanks Kala
Makes so much sense – good habits, specially when it comes to what the children eat, once formed in childhood, stand them in good stead all through their lives.
Thank you Tulika