Evaluating The Role Of Latch Scoring Tool In Identifying And Correcting Breastfeeding Problems
Keywords:
Breastfeeding, LATCH scoring, Neonate, Lactation counselling, Exclusive breastfeeding.Abstract
Introduction: Breastfeeding is critical for neonatal nutrition and immunity, yet many mothers face early breastfeeding challenges that can undermine exclusive breastfeeding rates. The LATCH scoring tool offers a structured method to identify and address these challenges by assessing five essential components of breastfeeding effectiveness.
Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted over 15–18 months at tertiary care hospital in Pilkhuwa, Hapur, involving 170 stable mother– neonate dyads (≥34 weeks gestation, birth weight >1.8 kg). Each dyad was assessed on Day 1 and Day 2 postpartum using the LATCH scoring system (range: 0–10). Mothers with lower scores received one-on-one counselling focused on proper positioning, latch techniques, and comfort measures. Data was recorded in a structured format and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (p < 0.05 considered significant).
Results: On Day 1, 57.1% of dyads scored 5–7, while 32.3% scored 8–10, with a mean LATCH score of 7.07. Following counselling, 81.2% scored between 8–10 on Day 2 (mean 8.69), reflecting a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001). Improvement in LATCH score was observed following counselling. Higher LATCH scores on Day 2 were strongly linked to successful exclusive breastfeeding at discharge and those neonates with lower initial LATCH score had higher chances of developing neonatal complications.
Conclusion: The LATCH scoring tool effectively identifies and corrects breastfeeding difficulties when coupled with focused counselling. Integrating routine LATCH assessments into postpartum care can enhance exclusive breastfeeding rates and promote better neonatal health outcomes.
Downloads
References
Kramer MS, Kakuma R. Optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Aug 15;2012(8):CD003517.
Alshiek M. Breastfeeding among infants and its association with the nutritional status of children under five years in Khartoum, Sudan. Int J Healthc Sci. 2015;3:177–84.
Donald K, Petersen C, Turvey SE, Finlay BB, Azad MB. Secretory IgA: Linking microbes, maternal health, and infant health through human milk. Cell Host Microbe. 2022 May 11;30(5):650-9.
Colombo J, Jill Shaddy D, Kerling EH, Gustafson KM, Carlson SE. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) balance in developmental outcomes. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2017 Jun;121:52-6.
Moore ER, Bergman N, Anderson GC, Medley N. Early skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their healthy newborn infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Nov 25;11(11):CD003519.
Gala Z, Shetye S, Sadawarte DM, Autade M. Barriers in exclusive breastfeeding encountered by mothers in urban slum area of a metropolitan city. J Family Med Prim Care. 2023 Nov;12(11):2690-5
Rollins NC, Bhandari N, Hajeebhoy N, Horton S, Lutter CK, Martines JC, et al. Why invest, and what it will take to improve breastfeeding practices. Lancet. 2016 Jan 30;387(10017):491-504.
Karaçam Z, Sağlık M. Breastfeeding problems and interventions performed on problems: systematic review based on studies made in Turkey. Turk Pediatri Ars. 2018 Sep;53(3):134-48.
Valero-Chillerón MJ, Mena-Tudela D, Cervera-Gasch Á, González-Chordá VM, Soriano-Vidal FJ, Quesada JA, et al. Influence of Health Literacy on Maintenance of Exclusive Breastfeeding at 6 Months Postpartum: A Multicentre Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr 29;19(9):5411.
McFadden A, Gavine A, Renfrew MJ, Wade A, Buchanan P, Taylor JL, et al. Support for healthy breastfeeding mothers with healthy term babies. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Feb 28;2(2):CD001141.
Çetindemir EO, Cangöl E. The effect of breastfeeding education given through the teach-back method on mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding success: a randomized controlled study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2024 Jun 29;24(1):453.
Halgar K, Mangshetty RB, B. AA. LATCH score: a tool for identification and correction of breastfeeding problems in a tertiary care hospital of North Karnataka. Int J Contemp Pediatr. 2024 Feb 22;11(3):272-6.
Hall RT, Mercer AM, Teasley SL, McPherson DM, Simon SD, Santos SR, et al. A breast-feeding assessment score to evaluate the risk for cessation of breast-feeding by 7 to 10 days of age. J Pediatr. 2002 Nov;141(5):659- 64
Howe TH, Lin KC, Fu CP, Su CT, Hsieh CL. A review of psychometric properties of feeding assessment tools used in neonates. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2008;37(3):338-49.
Ballard JL, Auer CE, Khoury JC. Ankyloglossia: assessment, incidence, and effect of frenuloplasty on the breastfeeding dyad. Pediatrics. 2002 Nov;110(5):e63.
Mulder PJ. A concept analysis of effective breastfeeding. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2006;35(3):332-9.
Power RF, Murphy JF. Tongue-tie and frenotomy in infants with breastfeeding difficulties: achieving a balance. Arch Dis Child. 2015 May;100(5):489-94
Lakshman TK, Sripooja G. LATCH score: efficacy in parturients with term vaginal delivery vs term caesarean section: clinical study at rural tertiary care hospital. Int J Acad Med Pharm. 2024;6(2):1223-6.
Fadiloglu E, Karatas E, Tez R, Cagan M, Unal C, Nar M, et al. Assessment of Factors Affecting Breastfeeding Performance and Latch Score: A Prospective Cohort Study. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol. 2021 Aug;225(4):353- 60
Gerçek E, Sarıkaya Karabudak S, Ardıç Çelik N, Saruhan A. The relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy and LATCH scores and affecting factors. J Clin Nurs. 2017 Apr;26(7-8):994-1004.
Shah MH, Roshan R, Parikh T, Sathe S, Vaidya U, Pandit A. LATCH Score at Discharge: A Predictor of Weight Gain and Exclusive Breastfeeding at 6 weeks in Term Healthy Babies. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2021 Feb 1;72(2):e48-e52
Srinivasan A, Dobrich C, Mitnick H, Feldman P. Ankyloglossia in breastfeeding infants: the effect of frenotomy on maternal nipple pain and latch. Breastfeed Med. 2006;1(4):216-24
Kim B, Kim J. Influence of an early latching-on program on the breastfeeding rate. Perspect Nurs Sci. 2013;10(2):97-110
Abbas I.M. and Hasan, R.T., 2015. Assessment of LATCH tool regarding initiation of breastfeeding among women after childbirth. Assessment, 2015 May;5(05).
Cakmak H, Kuguoglu S. Comparison of the breastfeeding patterns of mothers who delivered their babies per vagina and via cesarean section: an observational study using the LATCH breastfeeding charting system. Int J Nurs Stud. 2007 Sep;44(7):1128-37
Lau Y, Htun TP, Lim PI, Ho-Lim S, Klainin-Yobas P. Psychometric Evaluation of 5- and 4-Item Versions of the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool during the Initial Postpartum Period among a Multiethnic Population. PLoS One. 2016;11(5):e0154331
Tornese G, Ronfani L, Pavan C, Demarini S, Monasta L, Davanzo R. Does the LATCH score assessed in the first 24 hours after delivery predict non- exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge. Breastfeed Med. 2012 Dec;7(6):423-30
Karimi S, Majid N, Naghizadeh MM, Nekoee F, Kamali M. Comparison of breastfeeding patterns in women with normal vaginal delivery and cesarean section. Iran J Obstet Gynecol Infertil. 2011 Dec 22;14(6):46-53
Rapheal SM, Rajaiah B, Karupanan R, Abiramalatha T, Ramakrishnan S. LATCH Score for Identification and Correction of Breastfeeding Problems A Prospective Observational Study. Indian Pediatr. 2023 Jan 15;60(1):37-40
Nommsen-Rivers L. Early breastfeeding difficulties: incidence and risk factors. J Hum Lact. 2004 Feb;20(1):101-2.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
Terms:
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
