Objective: The aim of the present study was to identify the prevalence of exclusive breast-feeding after 2,4, and 6 months in Rajavithi Hospital. The present study evaluated the factors associated with discontinuing breast-feeding before the first two months of life in order to target early nursing interventions to encourage and support continued breast-feeding and increase the exclusive breast-feeding rate.
Material and Method: From September 2010 to May 2011, mothers were interviewed prior to hospital discharge from the maternity ward and follow-up phone calls were made after 2,4 and 6 months postpartum.
Results: The prevalence of exclusive breast feeding after 2, 4 and 6 months was 57.9% (252 out of 435), 32.0% (139 out of 435) and 4.8% (21 out of 435) respectively. At 2 months postpartum, multivariate analysis was carried out to identify whether maternal obesity and breast-feeding intervals of more than 3 hours had a statistically significant association with cessation of breast-feeding. The most common reason for cessation of exclusive breast-feeding by mothers was their return to work.
Conclusion: The prevalence of exclusive breast feeding at 2, 4, and 6 months was 57.9%, 32.0% and 4.8%, respectively. Maternal obesity, and maternal breast-feeding for intervals of more than 3 hours prior to hospital discharge were risk factors of early breast-feeding cessation at 2 months postpartum. This is an area on which we would target nursing interventions to prevent early unintended weaning.

Keywords: Breast-feeding, Exclusive breast-feeding, Prevalence, Factors