State of the World’s Mothers 2012: Nutrition in the first 1,000 days

Save the Children’s 13th Annual State of the World’s Mothers Report shows which countries are succeeding – and which are failing – to provide good nutrition during the critical 1,000-day window from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday. The report shows Niger as the worst place to be a mother in the world and lists Norway as the best place to be a mother. The index compares 165 countries around the globe, booking at factors such as a mother’s health, education and economic status, as well as critical child indicators such as health and nutrition. The report reveals the impact nutrition has on the wellbeing of mothers and children and examines how investments in nutrition solutions make a difference for mothers, children, communities, and society as a whole. It highlights proven, low-cost nutrition solutions – like exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months – that can make the difference between life and death for children in developing countries. The report also includes an Infant and Toddler Early Feeding Score for 73 countries and a Breastfeeding Policy Scorecard, which looks at breastfeeding practices and supportive government policies in 36 high income industrialized countries.