Prenatal Nutrition
The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are the most crucial.
From conception to their second birthday, a child’s future cognitive and physical development are determined by nutrition.
Maternal malnutrition while pregnant and breastfeeding can result in wasting, stunting, nutritional deficiencies, and lifelong health complications for her child.
MFK supports mothers in partnership with prenatal clinics in Haiti. Our supplemental food Plumpy’Doz ensures a healthier pregnancy, and improves child nutritional and developmental outcomes.
Mothers in MFK’s prenatal program also receive breastfeeding support, and learn which foods have the best nutritional value. Post-delivery, mothers and their newborns remain in program for six months.
Mothers and their children at MFK’s prenatal nutrition program
More than 73,000 mothers and infants have participated in MFK’s prenatal supplementation program.
Haitian nurse educating new mothers about health and nutrition
Maternal nutrition & breastfeeding in Haiti
While breastfeeding is valued by many mothers in Haiti, only 40% of infants are exclusively breastfed for the recommended first 6 months. This is often due to economic barriers, poor maternal nutrition, and insufficient breastmilk.
As a result, the remaining 60% of infants are at greater risk of malnutrition and stunting.