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1001 Days: How Our First Years Shape Our Lifelong Health
'Fascinating . . . an essential guide to some of the biggest and most compelling issues in healthcare and psychology.' PHILIPPA PERRY, author of The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read
‘A vital, riveting book that challenges established ways of thinking about health . . . I loved it.’JULIA SAMUEL, author of Grief Works
'Jaw-droppingly important.' STEVE BIDDULPH, author of Raising Boys and The Secret of Happy Children
'An extraordinary tour de force . . . a game-changing book of the utmost importance, with a message that urgently needs shouting from the rooftops' DR. GRAHAM MUSIC, Consultant Psychotherapist at the Tavistock Clinic and author of Nurturing Natures
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We think of babyhood and old age as polar opposites on the spectrum of life. Yet they are profoundly linked. Our early experiences set us up for a lifetime of good mental and physical health, or for future health challenges.
1,001 Days will explore the vital and often overlooked factors that determine our lifelong health. Delving into the latest research in the fields of medicine, neuroscience and psychobiology, acclaimed psychotherapist and author Sue Gerhardt explains how many of the most common illnesses affecting our society today – from type 2 diabetes to cardiovascular disease, depression and dementia – have their roots in pre- and post-natal childhood development.
She challenges the political and cultural assumptions that hinder us from acting on what science is telling us – for example, that ill health is often seen as a result of wrong ‘lifestyle’ choices. The evidence she brings to light could change the way we approach illness, prevention, screening and cure within our healthcare and wider social systems.
There is no simple cause and effect that explains an individual’s health outcomes. But in learning about the ways your childhood continues to shape your health today, you can feel empowered to seek the help you need.
‘A vital, riveting book that challenges established ways of thinking about health . . . I loved it.’JULIA SAMUEL, author of Grief Works
'Jaw-droppingly important.' STEVE BIDDULPH, author of Raising Boys and The Secret of Happy Children
'An extraordinary tour de force . . . a game-changing book of the utmost importance, with a message that urgently needs shouting from the rooftops' DR. GRAHAM MUSIC, Consultant Psychotherapist at the Tavistock Clinic and author of Nurturing Natures
---
We think of babyhood and old age as polar opposites on the spectrum of life. Yet they are profoundly linked. Our early experiences set us up for a lifetime of good mental and physical health, or for future health challenges.
1,001 Days will explore the vital and often overlooked factors that determine our lifelong health. Delving into the latest research in the fields of medicine, neuroscience and psychobiology, acclaimed psychotherapist and author Sue Gerhardt explains how many of the most common illnesses affecting our society today – from type 2 diabetes to cardiovascular disease, depression and dementia – have their roots in pre- and post-natal childhood development.
She challenges the political and cultural assumptions that hinder us from acting on what science is telling us – for example, that ill health is often seen as a result of wrong ‘lifestyle’ choices. The evidence she brings to light could change the way we approach illness, prevention, screening and cure within our healthcare and wider social systems.
There is no simple cause and effect that explains an individual’s health outcomes. But in learning about the ways your childhood continues to shape your health today, you can feel empowered to seek the help you need.
288 pages, Paperback
Published June 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 13, 2026
Minimal useful information, repeats the message of the importance of minimal stress and good nutrition for pregnant women. Also, discusses the variety of ways that infants can have increased chronic health issues developed through their upbringing. Doesn't refer to the 1001 days, just lists a variety of studies which looked at a variety of ages the majority under 5 years of age. Key message is have optimal nutrition, minimise stress and support children as they grow.
October 22, 2025
I picked this up on a whim seeing it in the bookstore, and because my twins are exactly one year and a week old. After reading it, most of the advice was already too late since the book focusses mostly on pregnancy and the first year. Oh well, more children will follow I guess.
While the book seemed well-researched - it had a lot of citations at least - it didn't really open new perspectives to me. Most of the included facts are either very well known or plain common sense: don't drink alcohol, breastfeed, cuddle or don't cause trauma. Others are unsolvable, like "don't be poor".
What I did find interesting
- The explanation of the "matroshka" effect of the long chain of motherly health.
- The importance of stress. I had underestimated that
- Her manifesto for more research, education and support for this critical phase of life. After reading that, I whole-heartedly agree!
While the book seemed well-researched - it had a lot of citations at least - it didn't really open new perspectives to me. Most of the included facts are either very well known or plain common sense: don't drink alcohol, breastfeed, cuddle or don't cause trauma. Others are unsolvable, like "don't be poor".
What I did find interesting
- The explanation of the "matroshka" effect of the long chain of motherly health.
- The importance of stress. I had underestimated that
- Her manifesto for more research, education and support for this critical phase of life. After reading that, I whole-heartedly agree!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews