They can also assess a woman s need for antimalarials, hookworm medication, and micronutrient supplementation and provide appropriate treatment. For undernourished populations and populations displaced by war and natural disasters, the use of breastmilk substitutes can be particularly dangerous. The best solution is to feed the mother, not the infant, and to give her whatever support she needs for breastfeeding. Providing additional foods and fluids to the mother helps both mother and child. The time for intervention should not be limited to periods of pregnancy and lactation.
Adequate nutrition is a cumulative process.
In fact, birth outcome is strongly influenced by the mother s nutritional status even before she becomes pregnant. The recuperative interval between lactation and the next pregnancy also offers an opportunity to replenish the mother s reserves by offering extra food. The recommendations in the box on page 5 are suggested to improve the nutrition of adolescent girls and women of reproductive age. These recommendations, coupled with optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, will contribute to good health and nutrition throughout the life cycle. Diversify the diet to improve the quality and micronutrient intake.