OBJECTIVES: To identify the incidence and risk factors of breastfeeding difficulties in maternity using 3 indicators: excess neonatal weight loss in maternity (EWL>or=10%), delayed onset of lactation (DOL>or=72 h) and suboptimal infant breastfeeding behaviour (SIBB=IBFAT score60 ml (OR=2.36). CONCLUSION: Difficulties in the breastfeeding initiation are not uncommon. Influencing factors are not always modifiable. Breastfeeding couples considered at risk should be recognized and should benefit from a special lactation guidance in maternity and from a post-discharge follow-up.