Data were collected by self-report from 90 mothers who visited a health clinic in Seoul between July 30 and August 14, 2001.

The mothers were classified into 3 groups according to the feeding method at 4 weeks after childbirth; Exclusive breast feeding group, Mixed breast feeding group, Bottle feeding group.

Mothers using exclusive breast feeding accounted for 46.6% of the mothers, those using mixed breast feeding, 26.7%, and those using bottle feeding, 26.7%. Although the percentage of mothers using exclusive breast feeding was higher, there was no significant difference among the groups.

In our research, characteristics related to the mother were found to be in a state of change. Mothers with higher education and having a job had higher rates for exclusive breast feeding. This result is different from that of earlier research. Further research is needed to confirm these characteristics. In order to increase the rate for exclusive breast feeding and the duration of breast feeding, nurses need to provide programs aimed at fostering breast feeding and these programs should be based on characteristics related to breast feeding shown in our research.