KUCHING: Parenthood often comes with countless questions – from what to feed your baby to how to stay active during pregnancy.
For many, guidance from trusted medical professionals can make all the difference.
That was exactly what eager parents and expectant mothers found at Normah Medical Specialist Centre’s (NMSC) free Public Health Forum, which took place on Saturday.
The morning saw a heartening turnout of new parents and soon-to-be parents, all eager to learn how to nurture healthier beginnings for their little ones.
Part of NMSC’s ongoing commitment to community health education, the forum featured a line-up of informative sessions that touched on the early stages of a child’s life – from pregnancy to the first steps of solid feeding.
Leading the first session, consultant paediatrician, Dr Tan Jiunn Liang spoke on ‘Nutrisi Bayi (Sehingga Cerai Susu) I’, as part of the First 1000 Days four-part series.
His talk delved into how proper nourishment during the early window of life can profoundly shape a child’s growth, immune system and long-term well-being.
“Our aim is to ensure optimum physical, mental, and emotional growth among children. The first 1,000 days of life lay the foundation for a child’s future health,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Dr Tan also touched on the importance of maternal nutrition, breastfeeding, and the need for families to foster a nurturing home environment.
“Every child deserves a loving environment to grow. Parents should understand the importance of creating a conducive home setting to nurture our future generation, as it greatly influences a child’s emotional and cognitive growth,” he said.
Dr Tan added that both parents play a role in ensuring the best start for their child’s development.
“It’s equally important for parents to recognise the value of maternal nutrition and breastfeeding, with fathers doing their part in supporting and encouraging breastfeeding,” he said.
Following his talk, dietitian Goh Ruey Shin guided participants through ‘Baby’s First Foods: Building Strong Foundations’.
Her session offered practical advice on introducing solids – from portion sizes and texture transitions to allergy awareness – helping parents approach this milestone with greater confidence and understanding.
Adding to the line-up was an engaging session by nurse, Voon Mung Ping, who shared practical breastfeeding tips for new and expecting mothers.
Her session covered proper latching techniques, effective positioning, milk expression and storage, as well as how partners and family members can play a supportive role in a mother’s breastfeeding journey.
For expectant mothers, chief physiotherapist Caroline Petra Adriaanse led ‘Antenatal Class Session 2: Exercise for Pregnancy’.
Through her session, mothers-to-be learned safe, gentle exercises designed to ease discomfort, strengthen the body, and prepare for childbirth – a session that blended practical instruction with encouragement and reassurance.
By continuing to organise such initiatives, Normah Medical Specialist Centre, an MSQH-accredited hospital, reinforces its role not just as a healthcare provider but as a community partner – one that understands that good health begins at home, and that every parent deserves the tools and knowledge to give their child the best possible start in life.
