The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 'baby-friendly hospital initiative' (BFHI) on breast feeding. In the four consecutive months after BFHI in Gazi University Hospital (November 2002-February 2003), breast feeding status until the second year of life in 297 babies, born in the same hospital was compared with the values of 258 babies born before BFHI (November 2001-February 2002). The exclusive breast feeding rate in the first 6 months was higher in the babies born after BFHI. Cox regression analysis revealed that BFHI increases the duration of breast feeding 1.5 times. At the end of the second year, cumulative rate of breast feeding was higher in the group after-BFHI (p=0.0036). The rate of breast feeding was increased by BFHI implementation.