European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

: Introduction: The practice of breast feeding in India is influenced by various social, cultural, economic factors and religious beliefs but maternal infant feeding attitude has been shown to be a stronger independent predictor of breast feeding initiation and associated with continuing to be breast feeding longer and have a greater chance of success. The present study was carried out to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of breast feeding among post natal mothers in rural area and to assess the factors affecting breast feeding practices. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was done among 100 postnatal women of rural field practice area (RHTC) of a medical college, Tirupati, to explore the knowledge, attitude and practice of breast feeding and the factors influencing breast feeding practices. Mothers were interviewed using pretested questionnaire at their residence regarding socio demographic data, variables related to medical care during pregnancy, delivery and post natal period, Knowledge on breast feeding, Attitude by IIFA Scale and data related to Practice of breast feeding were collected. Data entered in MS Excel and analysed by using IBM SPSS Version 26. Results: Majority (99%) of women had knowledge that Colostrum maintain immunity, 97% had knowledge that Breast feed can be given up-to 2 years, 94% had knowledge that Wash breast with warm water before feeding. Majority of women had positive attitude towards breast feeding (Mean attitude score was 60.34 (1.98). Majority of women initiate breast feeding after one hour (65%), Only 2% were discarded colostrum, 80% of them were exclusively breastfeed for 6 months or more. Majority of daily wage labourers (33.3%) and Muslim mothers (66.7%) were given pre-lacteal feed compared to other groups. This was statistically significant. Conclusion: The participants have good knowledge and attitudes toward feeding, but their breast feeding practises do not correspond to their knowledge levels, which indicates a need for improvement in the breast feeding instruction and counselling of women