Background: In spite of promoting exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) and avoiding pre-lacteal feeds, mothers are facing many problems in our country during breast-feeding. These problems are to be addressed to improve maternal and child health. Objectives: To document the breast-feeding practices and the self reported problems among women having children less than 2 years. Methods: Two hundred forty two mothers of accompanied children, less than 2 years age attending immunization clinics at Safdarjung hospital, New Delhi recruited in the study. A semi-structured interview schedule administered to assess the breastfeeding practices, the influencing factors, self-reported problems and health seeking behavior of women. Results: About ¾ th (73.1%) of women adopted EBF. Among the mothers not practicing EBF,31(47.6%) had given water to child in summer. Pre-lacteal feed was given to 59 (24.4%) newborns. Initiation of breastfeeding was delayed by96 (39.6%) of mothers. Main reasons for delay were non-secretion of breast milk in 53(55%) women. One hundred five (43.4%) women faced at least one major problem during breast-feeding. Major problems were, inadequate milk secretion 29 (12%), painful breastfeeding 14 (5.8%), too many household duties 14 (5.8%), defective baby positioning 20 (8.26%) and sickness of baby 12 (5%). Out of those experiencing a problem, only 64.9% consulted for treatment. Conclusions: The problems of breastfeeding were inadequate milk secretion, increase thirst to child in summer, painful breastfeeding, household duties, mother illness, child illness, breast abscess, cracked nipple and awkwardness to breastfeed in public. 

Key words: Breast feeding; Colostrum; Prelacteal feed; Exclusive breast feeding; Self- eported problems.