Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and behavior of mothers related to the initiation time, duration and affecting factors of breastfeeding.

Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study included 214 mothers who had children aged between 1-72 months. These mothers were selected from the pediatric policlinics of the Meram Medical Faculty. Data were obtained via questionnaire form by interviewing. Statistical analyses were performed using the software package SPSS version 10.0.

Results: The mean age of the mothers was 28.96 (SD±6.06). 187 mothers (87.4 %) delivered in the hospital. 20 mothers (9.3 %) delivered in a primary health care center. The rate of exclusive breast-feeding for at least 6 months was 37.7 %. The rate of breast-feeding initiation time in the first 1-2 hours after delivery was 78.9 %. The mean breast-feeding weaning duration was 10.6 months (SD±5.69).

Conclusion: In our study, 96.7 % of the mothers delivered their babies in a hospital or primary health care center under the control of a nurse or a doctor. All health professionals should have the necessary knowledge and skills in order to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Consequently, prenatal and postnatal breastfeeding education and support courses should be provided everywhere.