Setegn et al. BMC Public Health 2011, 11:217 http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/11/217 The use of validated questionnaire and triangulating both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collec- tion were the strengths of this study. However; a mother may have difficulty remembering when she initiated breastfeeding for her youngest infant; as a result, timely initiation of breastfeeding is subjected to potential recall bias. In addition, this study used a cross sectional study design; it is difficult to establish causal associations. Since the objective of this study is to assess the magni- tude of the timely initiation and its determinants, we could not measure reason behind pre-lacteal feeding and colostrums removal quantitatively. Finally, this study is also limited to those missing data, thus inter- pretation of the finding shall take in to account the missing data. Conclusion The study showed that the prevalence of timely initiation of breastfeeding was low. Pre lacteal feeding was com- mon due to perceived traditional practices like, softening the stomach of the baby, breast milk insufficiencies, to avoid infant abdominal cramp. Maternal attendances of formal education, being urban resident and postnatal information/advice on breastfeeding were positively asso- ciated with timely initiation of breastfeeding. The factors associated with timely initiation should be taken into account while designing an intervention and, targeted, specific, and community oriented promotion of timely initiation of breastfeeding including women empower- ment through education is recommended. Acknowledgements We are highly indebted to Jimma University, college of Public Health& Medical sciences for financial assistance. We would like to extend our appreciation to Oromia Health Bureau and Bale Zonal Health Desk and Goba Woreda Health Office for providing the necessary information and facilitating conditions while carrying out this study. We are also very grateful to extend our appreciation to the study participants (mothers) who share their priceless time, supervisors, and the data collectors for their full commitment and psychological and technical support. Last, but not the least we are grateful for editorial members, reviewer of this publication. Author details 1College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Population and Family Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia. 2College of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Madawalabu University, Bale Goba, Ethiopia. Authors’ contributions TS conceived and designed the study, performed analysis and interpretation of data and drafted the manuscript. MG assisted with the design conception, analysis, and interpretation of data and the critical review of the manuscript. TB assisted the study design, data interpretation and critically reviewed the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. 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Pre-publication history The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/11/217/prepub doi:10.1186/1471-2458-11-217 Cite this article as: Setegn et al.: Determinants of timely initiation of breastfeeding among mothers in Goba Woreda, South East Ethiopia: A cross sectional study. BMC Public Health 2011 11:217.