Abstract

Breastfeeding has been accepted as the most vital intervention for reducing infant mortality and ensuring optimal growth and development of children. This study was aimed at determining factors influencing early initiation of breast feeding among mothers at post natal ward, Kabale Regional Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional descriptive study with both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques was used. The study found out that post natal mothers had various factors including young age 78 (58.6%), marital status 91 (68.4%), education 52(39.1%), employment status 48 (36.1%), parity 52 (39.1%) and area of residence 67 (50.4%). All respondents 133 (100%) had ever heard about early initiation of breast feeding, most 43 (32.3%) had not initiated breast feeding early as recommended they initiated between 2 – 3 hours after birth, most 81 (60.9%) were not aware of the potential dangers of late initiation of breast feeding. Respondents did not face cultural factors as most 81 (60.9%) reported that their tribe viewed the use of colostrum as good. In conclusion, the study revealed that respondents faced various demographic, knowledge deficits as well as cultural factors which affected early initiation of breast feeding.