Breast-feeding practices were studied in 251 mother-infants pairs at the well-baby clinic of a regional hospital in Taitung, Taiwan. A questionnaire was designed to elucidate factors influencing the initiation and duration of breast-feeding. Most of the mothers (81.7%) initiated breast-feeding after delivery, but only 20.7% continued nursing for at least 4 months. Factors positively associated with initiating breast-feeding were the approval of the baby's father and grandparents and assistance from healthcare staff. Infants who were hospitalized during neonatal period and those born in the largest regional hospital were less likely to be nursed. Women who were employed and those with a higher education level were less likely to breast-feed > or = 4 months. Among infants > or = 4 months old at the time of the study, those who were younger were less likely to have had at least 4 months of breast-feeding. The father's approval positively influenced the duration of breast-feeding. There is still a need for active promotion of and support for breast-feeding. Healthcare workers should offer assistance, and particular attention should be paid to help families with hospitalized newborns. Including fathers and grandparents in discussions about breast-feeding is imperative. We must also develop ways to encourage and enable employed mothers to continue breast-feeding for longer periods.