Abstract Issue

Volume 14 Issue 2 (February) 2025

Original Articles

LATCH Score for Identification and Correction of Breastfeeding Problems
Dr. Arun Gautam, Dr. Shivendra Pratap Singh, Dr. Vani Narayani K, Dr. Aarti Rathore, Dr. Manju Tripathi

Aim: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the LATCH scoring system in identifying and correcting breastfeeding problems among postpartum mothers and to evaluate the impact of targeted lactation interventions on breastfeeding success. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included 80 mother-infant dyads recruited from a tertiary care hospital. Mothers with full-term infants (≥37 weeks gestation) intending to breastfeed were included, while those with medical conditions affecting breastfeeding or infants with congenital anomalies were excluded. The LATCH scoring system was used to assess breastfeeding at two time points: within the first 24 hours postpartum and at 48 hours postpartum after targeted lactation support. Mothers scoring ≤6 on the LATCH scale received breastfeeding interventions, including guidance on latch techniques, positioning adjustments, and nipple care. Pre- and post-intervention LATCH scores were compared using statistical analyses, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean maternal age was 28.15 ± 5.65 years, with 60% of participants older than 25 years. The sample included 51.25% primiparous and 48.75% multiparous mothers. Cesarean deliveries accounted for 27.50%, while 72.50% had vaginal deliveries. Before the intervention, 22.50% of mothers had low LATCH scores (0-3), 35.00% had moderate scores (4-6), and 42.50% had high scores (7-10). Following intervention, the proportion of mothers with high LATCH scores increased to 65.00%, while those in the low-score category decreased to 10.00%. The total LATCH score significantly improved from 5.72 ± 2.91 to 7.40 ± 2.56 (p < 0.0001). Multiple regression analysis identified cesarean delivery as a significant predictor of LATCH score improvement (β = 0.48, p = 0.0197), while maternal age, BMI, and exclusive breastfeeding status were not significantly associated. Conclusion: The LATCH scoring system proved to be an effective tool for identifying breastfeeding challenges and guiding interventions to improve breastfeeding outcomes. Targeted lactation support significantly enhanced LATCH scores, particularly among mothers who had undergone cesarean delivery. Implementing the LATCH scoring system in routine postpartum care can improve maternal confidence, breastfeeding effectiveness, and overall infant health.

 
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