Good health prior to pregnancy leads to better birth outcomes, improves the short- and long-term health of children and families and can reduce health inequities. Preconception care (PCC) involves the provision of counselling and education about the changes people can make to their health and lifestyle prior to pregnancy.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term used to describe the wide variety of lifelong developmental effects associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. This paper outlines developments for the prevention of FASD and the diagnosis and support of children and young people living with FASD in Australia.

This document provides updated population health recommendations for feeding babies and toddlers, from birth to two years of age, to promote healthy growth and development and help establish healthy eating behaviours.

The Centre for Policy Development's Early Childhood Development (ECD) Initiative is working with sector leaders, senior officials and experts to catalyse progress towards a better ECD system. This evidence pack has been adapted from materials prepared by the CPD team for the first two meetings of the ECD Council.

This paper analyses and synthesises new research linking a mother’s prenatal mental health to the child’s brain development, and shows how this ties into the problem of intergenerational disadvantage in New Zealand.