MCHRI’s Life-Course Approach

Maternal and child health is a fundamental determinant of population health and human potential. The influences that shape health begin before conception and continue through pregnancy, childbirth, infancy, childhood and adolescence, with effects that may extend across generations. 

The Maternal and Child Health Research Institute (MCHRI) adopts a life-course approach to advancing the health and wellbeing of women, children, families and future generations. The MCHRI Life Course Framework illustrates the interconnected health journeys of women and children across three areas of focus: preconception and pregnancy care; mother and child care; and child and adolescent care. 

Figure 1: Life Course Approach to Maternal and Child Health

A woman’s health and wellbeing before and during pregnancy can influence pregnancy outcomes and her child’s subsequent growth and development. Similarly, care and support from childbirth through infancy, childhood and adolescence lay the foundations for the child’s future health and wellbeing. A woman’s health journey also continues beyond childbirth into the inter-pregnancy period and future pregnancies, connecting the health of mothers and children across generations. 

Our goal is to give every mother and child the best possible start, promote healthy longevity, and optimise the health potential of every woman, child, family and future generation.