Breastfeeding is the best and optimum nutrition for an infant's growth and development. Breastfeeding is a common practice in our country, but early introduction of supplementary foods is an important problem. The aim of this study was to determine the sociodemographical factors affecting breastfeeding, to predict the problems which may occur during this period, and to offer suggestions for precautions. A questionnaire was administered to 5003 mothers of infants between 6-24 months and admitted to our hospital between July 2002-November 2003 for any reason. The results revealed that 4688 (93.7%) of mothers began breastfeeding at birth, and that the rates of exclusive breastfeeding were 4547 (97%) at birth, 2165 (46.2%) at the 4th month and 407 (8.7%) at the 6th month. The late onset of first breastfeeding, cesarean section, existence of health problems at birth, low birth weight, good income, multiparity, pacifier use and bottle feeding were the factors that increased the tendency to start supplementary foods during the first six months. With antenatal education programs, mothers should become aware of the problems of early introduction of supplementary food and early cessation of breastfeeding, and they should be encouraged to breastfeed.

Keywords: anne sütü ile beslenme, demografik özellikler, breastfeeding, demography