BACKGROUND: Timely initiation of breastfeeding is one important intervention to prevent childhood morbidities and mortalities. Globally, not more than 35 and 39% in developing countries, 52% in Ethiopia and 38% in Amhara region were initiated with breastfeeding early. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 March to April, 2016. A total of 423 mothers who have infants less than 6 month old were included in this study. The data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding. RESULTS: Prevalence of timely initiation of breastfeeding was 65%. Being male [AOR 2.148 (1.232, 3.745)], breastfeeding counseling [AOR 2.163 (1.187, 3.942)], place of delivery [AOR 8.639 (2.089, 5.720)], normal labor [AOR 4.094 (1.414, 8.728], and religious father support [AOR 1.962 (1.113, 3.458)] were determinants for timely initiation of breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: Timely initiation of breastfeeding in the study area was 65%. Sex of infant, breastfeeding counseling, birth place, mode of delivery, and religious father support were predictors of timely initiation of breastfeeding. Strengthening timely initiation of breastfeeding through provision of antenatal care services, educating mothers and strengthening health professionals knowledge, and skills on breastfeeding counseling were recommended.

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