Maternal nutrition- a healthy start to life

Associate Professor of Neonatology Liggins Institute and acting Director of Gravida: National Centre for Growth and Development, Dr Frank Bloomfield, discussed current research findings which show that:

Maternal nutrition before pregnancy important

Many women who appears to have healthy diets do not meet recommended nutritional intakes

Some key nutritional factors may increase the risk of preterm birth

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Equity Office) Trudie McNaughton said the strong attendance at the seminar was evidence of the need for, and success to date of, the Combining Parenting and a Career initiative. She said in the first 10 months of its launch, 50 staff had contacted a Parental Leave Adviser to get information or discuss an issue.

“We have a wealth of research evidence around the University which can inform and support the potentially life-changing decisions our staff and students make,” said Ms McNaughton.