Relationships of healthy couples are fundamental to a healthy society. With an aim to promote the 1000 days approach and encourage relationship goals, Sahyog organised a one-day workshop for couples. The objective of the workshop was to discuss the importance of the first 1000 days in a mother’s life, food habits, and financial budgeting to live a healthy life. Nutrition during pregnancy and in the first years of a child’s life provides the essential building blocks for brain development, healthy growth, and a strong immune system.
11 couples from 04 Padas of Borivali National Park participated to learn what is required to deliver a healthy child.
The one-day long workshop included various activities that enabled them to work as a team and strengthen their relationship. The workshop started with an ice-breaker to make people more comfortable with each other.
The 1,000 days between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s 2nd birthday offer a unique window of opportunity to build a healthier and more prosperous future. The right nutrition during this 1,000-day window has a profound impact on a child’s ability to grow, learn, and thrive—and have a lasting effect on a country’s health and prosperity.
In the session, couples were divided into groups of men and women and asked to pen down their expectations from their partners. This activity was organised to discuss what is it that they look for in their partners so that there can be better understanding between the partners and strengthening of their marital relationship. As a result, couples were keen to share their expectations from their partner. Thereafter, couples were briefed about the motive of conducting the activity.
We deliberately planned this workshop outside the Nationlal Park as these trips will help couples to be relaxed, feel more free and engage in activities, it also helps them to speak explicitly, says Nitin, Sr. Program Officer.
Dr. Sukhbir, Assoc. Director of Health and Nutrition Programs oriented the couples about nutritious food and its importance for their children and family. This discussion was followed by speaking about the seven food groups, and the importance of health and hygiene.
Male participants were helped to understand their roles and responsibilities during the antenatal and postnatal period. This brought in the realization amongst them that women who receive strong social support from their families during pregnancy are protected from sharp increases in the particular stress hormone, thereby decreasing the risk of experiencing depression after giving birth.
“I didn’t have much knowledge about pregnancy period. These activities were very interesting and we learned to first open up and share our queries with everyone. We blindly follows what others do but after attending this workshop, I now understand the importance of the first two years and the specail care that one needs to take,” says a female participant.