The best start

A baby’s health begins not just at birth, but before conception. From conception, a baby’s development determines its health and well-being as an adult.

A baby exposed to stress, smoke, poor nutrition, maltreatment, or other risk factors in the first 1,000 days after conception will start life at a disadvantage.

A baby who does not get a good start is more likely to have physical and mental problems later in life, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression. A poor start also affects a baby’s social and emotional development. That is why we believe it is important for our staff to be able to offer the best possible advice and support in the neonatal period, and to make referrals to other care providers when necessary.