Purpose: Discover unmet infant or young child feeding needs after a disaster or other emergency. Works best at a shelter, distribution site, or other place people go for help.
This rapid needs assessment is based on the one published by the CDC in their IYCF-E toolkit. Additional details about conducting a rapid needs assessment can be found at the CDC’s Rapid Needs Assessment Intake Form (IYCF-E): https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/emergencies-infant-feeding/downloads/pages/Rapid-Needs-Assessment-Intake-Form-IYCF-E-508.pdf
Summary
| Facts to Learn | Issues to Listen For |
|---|---|
| – Feeding method & how they want to feed – Water source – Cleaning/sanitation method (if needed) – Power source (if needed) – Storage (if needed) | – Health problems – Changes in feeding – Lactation problems – Lack of safe water – Need for supplies – Improper storage / inability to store safely – Caregiver needs – Emotional needs |
Questions
It’s so nice to meet you. Who do we have here with you today? [if young child/baby is present]
Hello! Do you have any babies in your life? [if only adult(s) present]
May I ask, how are you feeding your baby/child?
Can you tell me more about how feeding your baby/child is going for you?
If chestfeeding/breastfeeding or mixed feeding
- Can you tell me more about how chest/breastfeeding or expressing your milk is going for you?
- You are doing the very best you can for your baby.
If using bottles, pumping, etc.
What is your water source? [Ask as needed:]
- Is it easy for you to get more water, or are there challenges?
- What do they say about the safety of your tap water?
- Have you had your well tested?
How are you cleaning your bottles / pump parts / feeding items?
[If boiling] How are you boiling the water?
What is your power source for your pump? Is it reliable?
How are you storing unused milk/formula?
Uncovering other concerns
Has anything changed in how you feed your baby/child since the emergency?
[Infant] Were there any issues at birth that affected your baby’s feeding, like being born early, small or sick?
[Child] Are there any special needs or concerns you have related to your child’s feeding?
Is there anything else you want to share about feeding your baby, or other concerns you have?
Is there anything you need to care for yourself?
Ask caregivers if they need specific items. They may not know what they are missing, not realize it is available, or not be able to think well.
[If appropriate and available] Would you be interested in feeding your baby donor milk?
What to Do
- [ ] Refer medical needs.
- [ ] Refer lactation concerns.
| Provide Education | Connect with Supplies |
|---|---|
| If trained, volunteers can handle many education needs on the spot. | May be at the distribution center/shelter you are serving, or donated to your team. |
| – Making water safe – Cold sanitation – Safer formula feeding – Safe milk/formula storage – Hand expression or manual pump – Cup feeding – Baby carrying | – Cold sanitation kit / cleaning supplies – Formula (preferably Ready-to-Feed (RTF) if safe water is inconsistent) – Specialty formula – Human donor milk (if available) – Infant feeding supplies – Baby carrier – Special lactation supplies – Other needs (food, finances, etc.) |
Adapt this assessment to the referral resources available in [YOUR STATE]. Referrals for medical and lactation concerns should point to providers your team has identified locally.
Scan to open this page on your phone