Infants (0-5 months): Early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth

Definition

Proportion of children born in the last 24 months who were put to the breast within one hour of birth.

Relevance

Early breastfeeding ensures the infant receives colostrum from the mother, which is rich in nutrients. Infants who are breastfed early have greater chance of survival and decreased number of infections during infancy.