LATCH Score as a Tool to Predict Weight Gain in Term Babies at Six Weeks Post-discharge: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Introduction: The LATCH score is an acronym representing L- LATCH, A- Audible swallowing, T- Type of nipple, C- Comfort, H- Hold. It is a comprehensive yet simple breastfeeding assessment tool used to evaluate breastfeeding practices. Babies with a poor LATCH score at discharge are at an increased risk of early breastfeeding cessation and inadequate weight gain. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), only about 44% of infants aged 0-6 months worldwide were exclusively breastfed from 2015-2020, with a goal of increasing this rate to atleast 50% by 2025. There have been very few studies conducted in developing countries regarding this matter. Aim: To determine the correlation between the LATCH score and weight gain at six weeks post-discharge in term babies. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, from January 2023 to June 2023. The study included 355 healthy term and singleton babies. LATCH scores were assessed at the time of the first feed, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and at the time of discharge. Mothers with a low LATCH score and the reasons for the low score were identified, corrected, and counselled until discharge. Weight gain velocity was analysed at the six-week follow-up. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the mean values between variables, and Pearson’s correlation was used to analyse the correlation between the LATCH score and weight gain at six weeks post-discharge in term babies. Results: In the present study, the mean age of mothers was 26.21±5.40 years, and there were 200 males and 155 females babies. The mean LATCH score at the time of the first feed was found to be 3.91±1.09, which improved to 5.61±0.890, 7.03±0.742, 7.67±0.578, and 9.12±0.662 at 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and at the time of discharge, respectively. The reasons for a poor LATCH score were mainly attributed to primiparous mothers (42%) and incorrect positioning (35.5%). A significant positive correlation was found between the improvement of the LATCH score and weight gain at the six-week follow-up. Conclusion: The LATCH score was found to be a simple tool for identifying mothers and infants who require breastfeeding support and timely intervention to sustain breastfeeding. The LATCH score can serve as an effective predictor of weight gain at the six-week follow-up.