Eating and drinking is a sign of life, therefore nutrition is fundamental to life and wellness while nurturing a healthy motherhood lifestyle, so says National Advisor Non-Communicable Diseases Dr Isimeli Tukana.

Dr Tukana says during pregnancy a mother’s system change because the baby gives an extra load for moms to bear.

“This extra load on the mother gives rise to conditions like pregnancy induced high blood pressure, or pregnancy induced diabetes and heart conditions,” Dr Tukana said.

“The way to reduce this is three-fold – one if to control salt, sugars and oil in the diet, second is to manage the stressors that accompany pregnancy and to have adequate rest in pregnancy,” he said.

“This is one of the reasons we advocate for maternity leave so as to facilitate the three issues and ensure mother and child enjoy the journey through pregnancy.”

He said there is an indicator in pregnancy that is related to mothers dying while pregnant.

“The causes of these deaths may be due to direct or indirect causes,”

“We have found that indirect causes of deaths are associated with high blood pressure, diabetes or heart conditions during pregnancy,”

“There are only 2 times in life when we lose appetite- when life ceases or when we are unwell.

“Broadly when we advocate healthy meals, we are saying that when you serve your food, half of your plate must have vegetables and fruits, the other half of the plate must be divided into 3.

“Two thirds must be your rice, roti or cassava and the one third must be your fish, chicken or meats. This eating guideline is important for the girl to understand whilst getting ready for motherhood.

“Especially that she will be feeding the child for 9 months of pregnancy.”

Dr Tukana said Fijian girls are strategic to nurturing of life and wellness of every Fijian child.

“Each Fijian is born out of a woman; imagine the implications of an empowered mother in the context of nurturing for the life, wellness and prosperity of every son and daughter of Fiji – about 20000 of whom are born into Fiji each year.

“Maternal and Child Health (MCH) is an important platform for service delivery for the Ministry for Health and Medical Services.

“This service includes 10 visits in pregnancy, 35 visits in child care and 13 visits in schools.

“An effective and efficient maternal and child health service is expected to empower the girl to prepare for motherhood, and nurture her child from pregnancy to 18 years.

“The outcome is a wellness literate mother who prepares her daughter for motherhood and prepares her son for fatherhood. This service is available at all nursing stations and health centres nearest to you.”