Background and Objective: Exclusive breast feeding practice ranks first among the most effective interventions to improve child health. Present study was undertaken to study breast feeding practices among rural mothers and the factors influencing these practices. Methodology: This one year community based cross-sectional study was done at villages namely Vantamuri, Kakati (A and B), Honaga and Bhutramanahatti, which are the field practice area of department of Community Medicine, J. N. M. C., Belgaum. By random sampling 380 rural mothers having one year old child were selected. Information on socio-demographic variables, breast feeding practices was recorded. Results: In the present study majority of the mothers (64.21%) were between 20 to 24 years of age and were educated till high school (46.32%). A Majority 57.11% of them had given pre-lacteal feeds; the most common being sugar water. As many as 25.79% mothers discarded the colostrum. Initiation of breast feeding after delivery was delayed by 33.68% of the mothers. Demand feeding was not practiced by 32.11% mothers. Occupation, place of delivery and receiving information about benefits of breast feeding had a significant association with the practice of giving pre-lacteal feeds and discarding colostrum. Conclusions: Present study revealed that various inappropriate breast feeding practices are prevalent in rural areas. Elder’s advice played an important role in shaping the breast feeding practices.

Key Words: Breast feeding practices; Pre-lacteal feeds; Colostrum.