The World Health Organization advises exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months following delivery. However, issues with the infant failing to latch correctly are frequent in the postpartum period, resulting in breastfeeding discontinuation. The study’s goal was to determine the usefulness of the LATCH score in predicting EBF and weight growth at 6 weeks postpartum, as well as the optimal LATCH score cutoff. This prospective cohort research was carried out in India. Ninety-three mother-infant dyads at term gestation were included in the study. A lactation consultant performed two LATCH score assessments: the first within 24 hours of delivery and the second at discharge. Mothers with poor LATCH scores were counselled prior to discharge. At 6 weeks, the EBF rate and weight gain velocity were assessed. At 6 weeks postpartum, LATCH score 6 had the best sensitivity and specificity for predicting EBF. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of LATCH score at discharge and EBF at 6 weeks was 0.785, with a cutoff of 5.5, indicating the greatest sensitivity of 93.6 percent and a false-positive rate of 30.1 percent. A LATCH score of 6 or higher at discharge was related with a greater EBF rate and adequate weight growth at 6 weeks of age. After counselling, the LATCH score of moms with an initial score of 6 improved considerably upon discharge.

The LATCH score is a simple test for identifying moms who need breastfeeding support and counselling before being discharged from the hospital in order to avoid premature nursing cessation.

Reference: https://journals.lww.com/jpgn/Abstract/2021/02000/LATCH_Score_at_Discharge__A_Predictor_of_Weight.27.aspx

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