Despite professional and legislative efforts to limit early infant discharge, this practice continues. Early maternal/infant discharge may limit educational programs designed to support maternal/infant health in the immediate post-partum period. The aims of this study were to compare success of breast feeding relative to duration of hospitalization when intensive lactation support was provided in hospital and post-discharge. Mothers of infants born at University MacDonald Womens Hospital were enrolled between April and October, 1996 (N=202) and received a phone questionnaire at 1 and 2 wks (70% response). Of all mothers, 65% were Caucasian, 32% African-American. 12% were ≤19 years old, 33% 20-29 years old, and 54% 30-39 years old. Educational level was ≤12 years in 36% and 13 or greater years in 64%. Insurance was by private carrier in 71% and Medicaid or self pay in 29%. Early discharge ≤24h of life occurred in 39% of vaginal deliveries. Breast feeding was chosen by 59% (N=84) of all mothers, initiated within 68±43 mins of delivery. Support for breast feeding consisted of a lactation consultation in hospital (86%); a home nursing visit (82%), and a home phone call from a lactation consultant (70%). Of mothers whose infants were discharged at ≤24 hrs (N=56), 45% chose breast feeding in hospital, and 95% were still breast feeding successfully at 1 and 2 weeks post-discharge. Only 7% were providing formula or water in addition to breast milk. This frequency of success in breast feeding at 2 weeks was identical to that for mothers with duration of stay >24 hrs (N=25, 92% breast feeding). We conclude that excellent breast feeding success may be achieved by mothers discharged at≤24 hrs when appropriate pre- and post-discharge support is offered. Supported by the March of Dimes.