Indicator’s Wording
Indicator’s Purpose
How to Collect and Analyse the Required Data
Collect the following data by conducting individual interviews with mothers of (a representative sample of) children aged 0 - 23 months:
RECOMMENDED SURVEY QUESTIONS (Q) AND POSSIBLE ANSWERS (A)
Q1: Was [baby's name] ever breastfed?
A1: _
1) yes
2) no
3) doesn't know / doesn't say
If the respondent has more than one child aged 0 - 23 months, ask this question about all children aged 0 - 23 months.
To calculate the indicator's value, divide the number of children aged 0 - 23 months who were ever breastfed by the total number of surveyed children aged 0 - 23 months. Multiply the result by 100 to convert it to a percentage. Please note that breastfeeding by a wet nurse and feeding of expressed breast milk both count as being fed breast milk.
Disaggregate by
Disaggregate the data by gender.
Important Comments
1) This indicator relies on an accurate age assessment. Since people often do not remember the exact dates of their children’s birth, the data collectors should always verify the child’s age. This can be done by reviewing the child’s birth certificate, vaccination card or another document; however, since many caregivers do not have such documents (and since they can include mistakes), it is essential that your data collectors are able to verify the child’s age by using local events calendars. Read FAO’s Guidelines (see below) to learn how to prepare local events calendars and how to train data collectors in their correct use.
Access Additional Guidance
- WHO/UNICEF (2021) Indicators for Assessing IYCF Practices (.pdf)
- FAO (2008) Guidelines for Estimating the Month and Year of Birth of Young Children (.pdf)