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This descriptive study was done to investigate the proportion of mothers breast feeding and identify factors which influence breast feeding. The subjects were 320 mother who child under five years of age, living in WonJu and their children who numbered 530. Data collection was conducted at various places in the WonJu area using survey questionnaire. The results were as follows : 1. The proportion of children receiving breast feeding was 23.3%, mixed feeding 31.7%, milk feeding 45.1%. The most frequent duration for breast feeding was one month, the mean duration was six months. 2. The major reasons for breast feeding were for the health of the child 52.5%, for emotional attachment with the child 34.2%, and as the expected way of feeding 29.5%. 3. The major reasons for interrupting breast feeding were jobs 26.1%, illness of the child or mother 16.1% abnormality of the breast of nipple 12.7% others 31%. 4. The major reasons for quitting breast feeding were insufficient breast milk 34.5%, job 19.6%, diarrhea in the child 9.9%. 5. The factors influencing breast feeding were educational status and the presence of a job. 6. The husband’s attitude to breast feeding was very positive 82.3% and the subjects were supported by their mothers and husbands. But the major information sources about breast feeding were the mass media 30.4% and relatives 22.0%. 7. The breast feeding mother reported experiencing positive and satisfactory feelings, but the milk feeding mother reported experiencing negative and guilt feelings. Also the breast feeding mothers perceived their children as very healthy with a stable emotional status. The results showed the breast feeding ratio in WonJu to be very low and problematic and the subject mothers strongly need information about breast feeding and support while breast feeding. Therefore it is recommended that an education program for community women and other people, like husbands, and grandmothers, be developed along with an education program for university students and other young people to provide them with preparatory information as they begin to think about marriage and families.
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