Abstract Since 1992, the World Health Organization(WHO) has recommended initiation of breastfeeding in the first hour of life. Early initiation reduces neonatal mortality and long term morbidity in children. According to WHO , an estimated 4 million newborn deaths occur every year of which most are caused by infections which can be prevented by early initiation of breastfeeding. Also, early successful establishment of breastfeeding sustains breastfeeding throughout infancy. Even after 21 years of the recommendation, early breastfeeding is followed by only a mere 23% of Indian women. Lack of knowledge is a major barrier, and hence this study was conducted to determine if counseling improved the statistics of early breastfeeding.