Ever Breastfed

Outcome

% of children born in the last 24 months who were ever breastfed

Breastfeeding is recommended for all infants worldwide except, in very few cases, for those with specific medical conditions. While the prevalence of children who were ever breastfed is high in most countries, this is not the case universally. Therefore, this population-level indicator provides a broad measure of breastfeeding uptake. It does not assess timely initiation, exclusive breastfeeding, duration or other dimensions of appropriate infant feeding.

Collect the following data through a representative household survey. Interview all women of reproductive age in the sampled households who had one or more live births in the 24 months preceding the survey. Ask about every live birth during this period, including children who were born alive but later died.

     

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

Q1: Was [baby's name] ever breastfed?

A1: _

1) yes

2) no

3) does not know / no response

 

If the respondent gave birth to more than one child in the 24 months preceding the survey, ask this question about each child who was born alive, including any child who later died.

 

To calculate the indicator, divide the number of children born alive to the surveyed women in the past 24 months who were ever breastfed by the total number of children born alive to those women in the same period. Include children who were born alive but later died. Multiply the result by 100.

Count only ‘yes’ responses in the numerator; retain ‘does not know’, refusal and other missing responses in the denominator. Breastfeeding by a wet nurse and feeding of expressed breast milk both count as breastfeeding.

This data can be disaggregated by sex of child, and, if relevant and feasible, also by place of residence, maternal education and socioeconomic status.

1) This indicator relies on accurately determining whether each live birth occurred within the 24 months preceding the survey. Since respondents may not remember exact birth dates, data collectors should verify or carefully estimate the date of birth. 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.

2) Because the standard denominator also includes children who have died, train interviewers to ask relevant questions sensitively and in private, without pressuring bereaved respondents.

Also consider using the following indicators:

• Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (measures whether breastfeeding started within one hour of birth)

• Exclusively Breastfed for the First Two Days After Birth (assesses whether newborns received other foods or liquids immediately after birth)

• Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months (measures exclusivity rather than only whether breastfeeding ever occurred)

• Continued Breastfeeding 12-23 Months (assesses continuation and provides information on breastfeeding duration)