LATCH score: a tool for identification and correction of breastfeeding problems in a tertiary care hospital of North Karnataka

Background: Breastfeeding, a vital childhood intervention, faces challenges despite being a natural process. Factors such as maternal confidence, latching issues, breast pain, perceived milk insufficiency, and inadequate encouragement contribute to early discontinuation. Assessing breastfeeding in postpartum mothers prior to discharge is important for successful breastfeeding. The LATCH charting system designed by Jensen et al was used to assess the score. Objectives were to determine early breastfeeding problems using LATCH score and to study the impact of breastfeeding supportive measures on LATCH score. Methods: Hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted among 100 mothers who delivered in hospitals attached to Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College, Kalaburagi. The LATCH score was assessed twice, first within 24 hrs after birth and second 48 hrs after intervention. Results: Good LATCH score was found among the rural mothers, multiparous mothers and those who had a normal vaginal delivery. After providing breastfeeding support, a majority (81%) of the mothers transitioned from poor or moderate to a good LATCH score group. The overall mean LATCH score increased from 5.83±1.64 to 9.31±1.5 following intervention. Improvement was seen in all the individual components of LATCH. Conclusions: This LATCH assessment tool can identify mothers and infants who are at risk of early breastfeeding cessation and serve as a guide to initiate appropriate intervention.