Feeding Colostrum

% of children aged 0-23 months who were fed colostrum after birth

For approximately three days after delivery, the breasts secrete colostrum. Colostrum has the largest concentration of nutrients and antibodies to protect the newborn, however in many cultures, colostrum is not considered beneficial or appropriate and is thrown away. The indicator therefore assesses the proportion of young children who were fed colostrum after birth.

Collect the following data by conducting individual interviews with mothers of (a representative sample of) children aged 0-23 months:

 

RECOMMENDED SURVEY QUESTION (Q) AND POSSIBLE ANSWERS (A)

Q1: After your youngest baby was born, did you give the baby the first liquid (colostrum) that came from your breast?

A1: yes / no / does not remember

 

To calculate the indicator’s value, divide the number of children who were fed with colostrum by the total number of respondents (exclude those who did not remember). Multiply the result by 100 to convert it to a percentage.

Disaggregate the data by the delivery place (home, health centre, hospital), presence of a skilled birth attendant during delivery (present/ absent; use for home deliveries only), location (rural/ urban) and socio-economic characteristics (e.g. level of education).