Measurement of early initiation of breastfeeding: accuracy challenges and implications to newborn health in Ethiopia

Accuracy issues with the indicator for early initiation of breastfeeding were shown in this study from Ethiopia. Comparing findings from a systematic literature review, cognitive interviews, self-administered questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and a key informant interview showed that there were discrepancies in perceptions. The study suggests the question should be changed to “how long after birth did you first put [name] to the breast even if your breastmilk did not arrive yet?”