Objective:-To study the various problems related to breastfeeding in the postnatal wards that inhibited breast feeding of mother-infant dyads, with focus on breast-related problems, its time of onset and also to determine if early initiation of breast feeding decreased these problems. Methods:-It is a one year hospital based observational study of mother-infant dyads (August 2014-Augsut 2105) done from data collected from a semi-structured questionnaire of 250 mother-infant dyads admitted in

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... tnatal wards in the Niloufer Hospital for Women and Children, Hyderabad, affiliated to Osmania Medical College. Results:-The total number of mother-infant dyads in the study were 250. 151 mothers out of 250 (60%) started breastfeeding their babies within one hour of delivery. 64.4% mother infant dyads had various problems related to breast feeding, the most common problem reported by the mothers is perceived inadequacy of breast milk (20%), loose stools in 13%, breast engorgement in 11% mothers, mastitis in 8% and sore nipple/inverted nipple in 3.5%. The breast related problems occurred around 3-7 days. The incidence of these problems are less in early initiator breast feeding group compared to late initiators. Conclusion:-The breast feeding problems encountered in this study can be easily treated with simple supportive measures and some medications. Early initiation of breast feeding leads to decreased breast related complications. Proper antenatal and postnatal lactation counselling will motivate the mothers to continue exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months.