We are delighted to announce that first time mum-to-be and former Irish sprint hurdles champion Derval O’Rourke was today named as our new ambassador for the First 1000 Days movement.
The former world champion, who also holds four European Championship medals, has joined our other ambassadors – celebrity chef and dad Neven Maguire and TV presenter Maura Derrane to help drive awareness of the long-term impact of good nutrition during pregnancy amongst other Irish mums-to-be.
We’re delighted to welcome Derval on board as a new ambassador for the First 1000 Days movement. Through this movement we hope to encourage mothers-to-be and new parents all across Ireland to get the nutritional balance right during the first 1000 days of life.
Michelle Gray, First 1000 Days Dietitian
Speaking at the launch today, Derval said:
“As an athlete I have always been aware of the critical role nutrition plays for my personal health and performance. But as a first time mum-to-be and ambassador for the First 1000 Days movement my eyes have been opened to the profound long term implications good nutrition can have during this formative time. There is so much to take in during the first few weeks and months of pregnancy but what I have really learned is that what I am eating and drinking while pregnant will have a huge effect on my baby’s health even before he or she is born. I have the power to set my baby up for a lifetime of good health so I hope I can inspire other mums-to-be to take action during this unique window of opportunity.”
“As a self-confessed foodie who loves preparing nutritious home-cooked meals it’s exciting to be involved in a movement that offers accessible, workable solutions for all pregnant women out there. People often focus on what you can’t and shouldn’t eat during pregnancy but we don’t hear enough about what you should be eating and that’s what I love about the First 1000 Days movement.”
- Join the movement and get a free copy of the First 1000 Days recipe book at www.first1000days.ie
- Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/First1000DaysIreland
- Follow us on Twitter @First1000Days www.twitter.com/First1000Days
