ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Aug 1 (PIA) – Young mothers and pregnant women in the 45 barangays in Isabela City were gathered on Tuesday (July 27) and urged to boost their nutrition at the start of pregnancy to ensure proper development of their babies.

As part of the 47th Nutrition Month celebration this year, the City Government of Isabela de Basilan under the leadership of mayor Sitti Djalia T. Hataman with the City Nutrition Committee through Jesielyn Puno, City Nutrition Action Officer conducted one-day orientation to young mothers and pregnant women on the importance of good nutrition not only for them, for their children but for their whole family.

Puno stressed that nutrition is more important during pregnancy and making healthy food choices everyday will help them give their babies what they need to properly develop. She added that the very important time of fetal development is during the first weeks of pregnancy thus, mothers are urged to follow healthy lifestyle and healthy diets.

“Its always important to eat a balanced diet and it’s even more important when you’re pregnant because what you eat is the main source of nutrients for your baby,” Puno stressed.

Furthermore, the participants were also encouraged to do the regular prenatal check-up to reduce the risk of complications and birth defects.

In addition, the importance of exclusive breastfeeding was also discussed to the participants. They were advised to exclusively breastfeed their babies from 0-6 months.

“Mahalaga talaga na breastfed ang ating mga anak, makakatipid na tayo sa gastusin sa pagbili ng gatas, alam pa natin na masustansiya ang gatas na iniinom nila at malaking tulong ito upang sila ay lumaki ng tama at wasto,” Puno said.

Part of the orientation was also an on-the spot Healthy Preggy Pageant wherein participant-pregnant women were asked with nutrition related questions which also gave them the opportunity to share their experiences as mothers and their activities at home which help them ensure good nutrition of their family. Winners were given cash prizes from the City Government of Isabela de Basilan.

All participants during the orientation also received food packs worth P500 pesos each.

The Nutrition Month campaign this year was guided by a chosen theme that addresses current and predominant issues in nutrition dubbed "Malnutrisyon patuloy na labanan, First 1000 days tutukan!" (RVC/EDT/NDR/PIA9-Basilan)