The most frequent reasons given by mothers for early discontinuance of breastfeeding are breast and nipple problems accompanied by pain and discouragement. Most of these problems can be avoided by appropriate breast care in pregnancy, minimal medication in labor and delivery, attention of nursing personnel to the breasts and nipples in the early puerperium, and instruction of the mother in correct nursing techniques. In this article early and frequent, unscheduled nursing is advocated; management of engorgement is considered. Nurses’attitudes me discussed in terms of their effects on their mother's success or failure in beginning breastfeeding.