RESUMEN
Background: Exclusive breast feeding, an important need for infants, can be affected by numerous factors. This study was designed to survey the pattern and period of exclusive breast feeding
Materials and Methods: The study was performed on mothers of 391 newborns at six months of age taking healthcare in health centers of Kashan. The necessary information was recorded and exclusive breast feeding patterns and related factors were determined
Results: Our findings uncovered that the rate of exclusive breast feeding was 33.1%. The exclusive breast feeding showed a significant relationship with the mothers' education level [P=0.001], baby weight loss [P=0.046], exclusive breast feeding education [P=0.004], type of delivery [P=0.045], father's job [P=0.012], birth weight [P=0.007] and growing [P=0.002] status. However, sexuality of the neonate, sexual preference by family, bedding room, technique of breast feeding education, mother's job, immaturity and weight not considerably influenced the exclusive breast feeding
Conclusion: Concerning low rate of exclusive breast feeding it seems increased understanding and knowledge of pregnant women, mothers, as well as their family, can improve exclusive breast feeding