Being a new mum is certainly not easy. And when you find yourself navigating motherhood in a foreign country, the journey becomes even more daunting. This is the reality faced by Dee, a member of the Ayo-ma team who is a new mom who recently migrated to Australia.

Traditionally, new mothers seek support and guidance through various channels, including online communities and shared experiences. However, building connections in a foreign country presents its own set of obstacles. Fortunately, amidst various available resources, the Australian Government offers a program that can be used as a guide for new moms.

Launched in 2009, Get Up & Grow: Healthy Eating And Physical Activity For Early Childhood is a program presented in book form. It serves as a comprehensive guide for new moms who may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of parenthood.

From breastfeeding to early childhood nutrition, the program aims to promote optimal health outcomes for infants and young children. Emphasizing the importance of breastfeeding for at least the first six months of a baby’s life, Get Up & Grow highlights the protective factors and nutritional benefits of breast milk. Colostrum, the first milk produced after childbirth, contains 10-17 times more of antibodies compared to subsequent breast milk, making early breastfeeding initiation crucial for newborns' health and immunity.

After the breastfeeding period, breast milk and formula cease to provide the necessary iron for the child’s development. Therefore, it’s important to begin introducing solid foods as iron supplements. The first solid food that can be introduced, for instance, is grains dissolved in water, such as red beans or mung bean porridge. There’s no need to add flavourings, as babies are adaptable to different tastes. Focus on introducing new textures to help the child transition from milk. Dee has prepared several menus suitable for children above 12 months, which can serve as a helpful reference for Ayo-ma friends. For example, shredded chicken with boiled carrots and peas, cooked in chicken gravy and served over rice. Alternatively, pasta with spinach, mushrooms, sliced carrots, and chicken can be served as a nutritious meal. Another option is curry rice, seasoned with savoury spices and accompanied by chicken and rice.

Over time, after getting familiar with solid foods, it’s important for them to also become acquainted with potential food allergens. Since babies are still in the early stages of food introduction, they may experience adverse reactions to certain foods. It’s advisable for parents to introduce one new food per week to monitor their child’s tolerance levels.

However, it’s essential that the food provided to the child is in appropriate portions and, of course, nutritious. Ingraining healthy eating habits from a young age is crucial for overall well- being, ensuring that children become accustomed to a nutritious diet. Effective cooperation between both parents and the individuals in the child’s environment is important. Without strong support from parents and the child’s caregivers, efforts to instill healthy living habits in children may not be optimal.

Being a new mom is undeniably challenging. While there may not be specific guidelines readily available in Indonesia to offer assistance, it’s important not to grow weary in seeking out useful and applicable information for the benefit of the child’s future

Reference:

https://www.ibupedia.com/artikel/balita/mengenalkan-makanan-solid-pada-anak

https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/05/buku-direktur-penyelenggara.pdf