*3.2. Theme 2: The Health of Children during the First 1000 Days of Life*

The participants shared information regarding their child's health, and the challenges experienced due to illnesses or hospitalization. This theme further elaborated on the children's nutrition from birth to two years.

#### 3.2.1. Sub-Theme 2.1: Physical Health of the Children

Many participants mentioned a diversity of illnesses that their child suffered from, including an eye infection, jaundice, gastroenteritis (gastro), respiratory difficulties, kidney disease, colon problems, and TB, some resulting in hospitalization. Four participants who smoked cigarettes while pregnant, revealed that their child endured various types of respiratory difficulties after birth, as described: " ... then there is a wheezing in her chest" (Participant 8). Two participants' children contracted TB before the age of two years. Information about medical check-ups and immunizations also emerged during the interviews. Certain participants confirmed taking their children for their scheduled medical check-ups and immunizations. In addition, numerous participants experienced challenges as a result of their children's illnesses, such as transport problems, lack of communication by medical staff, or stress due to the hospitalization of their children.
