Report

Capture the Moment

Early initiation of breastfeeding – the best start for every newborn

Mother breastfeeding her baby at her home, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

UNICEF/UN0255466/Pasquall

Highlights

This joint report, prepared by UNICEF and WHO, analyses early initiation of breastfeeding and describes trends over the past 10 years for more than 70 low- and middle-income countries, as well as several high-income countries. Drawing on analysis of early initiation rates among babies delivered by skilled birth attendants, the report describes key findings and examines the factors that support and hinder an early start to breastfeeding. The report outlines key learnings from countries where rates of early initiation have improved or deteriorated and offers recommendations for policy and programmatic action.

Please contact: nutrition@unicef.org