Breastfeeding is a critical component of infant health and development, providing essential nutrients, antibodies, and immune factors. Despite the recognized benefits, rates of early breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding remain suboptimal in India. This systematic review aims to investigate the factors influencing timely initiation of breastfeeding and delayed exclusive breastfeeding in India. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, and studies meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The review identified several key factors influencing breastfeeding practices, including maternal factors (age, education, parity, socioeconomic status), infant factors (birth weight, gestational age, health status), socio-cultural factors (cultural beliefs, traditions, family support), and healthcare system factors (access to skilled birth attendants, antenatal care, postnatal support). Enabling factors for timely breastfeeding initiation included high maternal education, urban residence, delivery in a healthcare facility, and receiving breastfeeding counseling. Impediments included low maternal education, rural residence, home births, lack of antenatal care, and delayed recognition of colostrum importance. Factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding included maternal education, attitudes, confidence in milk production, infant latching and suckling skills, and socio-cultural beliefs. The review highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach to address these factors, including enhancing maternal education, promoting positive attitudes, providing skilled support, addressing socio-cultural beliefs, strengthening healthcare systems, and evaluating interventions such as midwife-led care units. Future research should focus on implementing and evaluating interventions to promote and support exclusive breastfeeding, particularly among working mothers and marginalized communities. 

Prof .N.B.Mahalakshmi received Bachelor of Nursing from Bishop’s College of Nursing, Dharapuram, Tamilnadu and M.sc(N) from KMCH College of Nursing ,Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. She is currently working as professor in KMCH College of Nursing, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. She has one year of experience in Clinical in Emergency ward, KMCH Hospital &21 years of teaching experience. She is Member of Professional TNAI, APNI, IANN. She has presented papers in various National & International conferences, published papers in National journals, presented poster in State level. Special training was Successfully completed Teaching GenZ online classroom on 2020,the training as PALS provider held at KMCH Hospital & Post Graduate Medical Institute on 2019. Completed the certificate course on Digital teaching techniques from ICT Academy course on 2020. Training of Trainers Neonatal Resuscitation Program (TOT) Certified by IAP & NNF held at KMCH Hospital & Post Graduate Medical Institute on Oct 2021. Trained in SIMULATION (TOT) held at APOLLO Institute of Hospital Management , Chennai, on Feb 2023.MANYATA -workshop organized by YUVA FOGSI - resource person deliberated on Neonatal Resuscitation on 15.6.2025.Certified Diabetic Nurse educator and BPNI certified Lactation Counsellor. She has published 3 papers in TNNMC journal ,4-PUB Med & she owned Patent on paediatric integrated T1DM programme evaluation device.