LATCH Scores Research Articles

The Effect of Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy on Infants' Weights and Breastfeeding Outcomes.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE) and breastfeeding success (BFS) on infants' weight gain rates and breastfeeding outcomes. Mothers were evaluated within the postpartum 72 hours with "Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF)" and "LATCH Scale." After 6 months, the mothers were called to learn the exclusive breastfeeding (EB) duration and the weight of the infants. Two hundred mother-infant couples were enrolled, 176 (88%) of them could be reached in the sixth month. The BSES-SF scores were positively correlated with LATCH scores (P = .0001). The EB rate in the sixth month was positively correlated with BFS but not correlated with BSE (r, P = .218, .004; .79, .297, respectively). The percentage of weight gain and the rate of weight percentile change of babies according to birth weight at the sixth month of age were negatively correlated with BSE (r = -0.226, -0.148, P = .003, .049, respectively) but not correlated with BFS. Higher BFS was associated with increased duration of EB in the first 6 months of life, and higher BSE was related to lower increase in the percentage of weight gain and a lower rate of weight percentile change of babies at 6 months of age.

Quantitative impact of frenotomy on breastfeeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Symptoms related to infant ankyloglossia/tongue-tie may deter mothers from breastfeeding, yet frenotomy is controversial. Databases included PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from 1961-2023. Controlled trials and cohort studies with validated measures of surgical efficacy for breastfeeding outcomes were eligible. Meta-analyses synthesized data with inverse-variance weighting to determine standardized mean differences (SMD) between pre-/postoperative scores. Twenty-one of 1568 screened studies were included. Breastfeeding self-efficacy improved significantly post-frenotomy: medium effect after 5-10 days (SMD 0.60 [95% CI: 0.48, 0.71; P < 0.001]), large effect after 1 month (SMD 0.91 [CI: 0.79, 1.04; P < 0.001]). Nipple pain decreased significantly post-frenotomy: large effect after 5-15 days (SMD -1.10 [CI: -1.49, -0.70; P < 0.001]) and 1 month (SMD -1.23 [CI: -1.79, -0.67; P = 0.002]). Frenotomy had a medium effect on infant gastroesophageal reflux severity at 1-week follow-up (SMD -0.63 [CI: -0.95, -0.31; P = 0.008]), with continued improvement at 1 month (SMD -0.41 [CI: -0.78, -0.05; P = 0.04]). From LATCH scores, breastfeeding quality improved after 5-7 days by a large SMD of 1.28 (CI: 0.56, 2.00; P = 0.01). Providers should offer frenotomy to improve outcomes in dyads with ankyloglossia-associated breastfeeding difficulties. PROSPERO identifier CRD42022303838 . This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that breastfeeding self-efficacy, maternal pain, infant latch, and infant gastroesophageal reflux significantly improve after frenotomy in mother-infant dyads with breastfeeding difficulties and ankyloglossia. Providers should offer frenotomy to improve breastfeeding outcomes in symptomatic mother-infant dyads who face challenges associated with ankyloglossia.

IMPLEMENTATION OF PRETERM INFANT ORAL MOTOR STIMULATION INTERVENTION (PIOMI) ON VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT PRETERM BABY

Background: Very low birth weight is a condition of babies with a birth weight of less than 1500 grams. Premature or preterm babies are prone to nutrition deficiencies due to inadequate suction reflexes and inability of the digestive tract to absorb nutrients. Preterm Infant Oral Motor Intervention as known as PIOMI is an intervention used to stimulate the sucking reflex. The PIOMI intervention was carried out by massaging and stimulating the oral cavity, cheeks, and tongue before feeding once a day.&#x0D; Objectives: This study aims to analyze the effect of administration of the PIOMI intervention on weight gain, increased intake and increasing LATCH on, Audible of swallowing, Type of nipple, Comfort level, Hold positioning as known as LATCH score.&#x0D; Methods: This case study type experimental research design with nursing care approach. The population of this study consisted of very low birth preterm (&lt;1200 grams) newborns. The study sample included 1 single case of very low birth weight preterm newborns, resulting from the strength analysis, who were treated in high risk neonatal unit university hospital. Data were collected using the Preterm Infant Chart Form and LATCH Breastfeeding Scale. PIOMI intervention was conducted for 7 consecutive days. Nutritional status evaluated each day and the sucking successes were evaluated at day 1 and day 7.&#x0D; Results: The results indicated that after the intervention for 7 consecutive days the weight and diet increased. There was also an increase in the LATCH score before treatment until prior to discharge from the hospital (7-9).&#x0D; Conclusion: Administration of PIOMI is expected to prevent delays in oral feeding, increasing LATCH score and overcome nutritional deficiencies in low birth weight infants.

LATCH Score: Bridging the Gap in the Observational Study

LATCH Score: Bridging the Gap in the Observational Study

Effectiveness of Endorphin Massage and Breast Milk Supplements on Lactation Success in Aceh Besar

Background: The mother's psychological preparation before breastfeeding, stress, excessive worry, unhappiness, all play a major role in the success of exclusive breastfeeding. Endorphin Massage is a light touch and massage that can increase the release of endorphins and oxytocin hormones. If endorphin massage is given to postpartum mothers, it will provide a sense of calm and comfort during lactation so as to increase the response of the posterior pituitary to produce the hormone oxytocin to increase the let down reflex. The purpose of this study was to find out whether there are differences in endorphin massage and breast milk enhancing supplements for lactation success.&#x0D; Methods: This study used a Quasi-Experimental Design method with Pre-test and Posttest with control group design. This research was conducted in Aceh Besar District in 2021. The population in this study were postpartum mothers up to the 3rd day postpartum with a total sample of 51 people. Data analysis used the Anova test and the Post Hoc Test.&#x0D; Results: The results of the ANOVA test showed that there was a difference in LATCH scores between the three groups with a significance value of 0.000

DOES KANGAROO MOTHER CARE IMPROVE BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES? A SINGLE INSTITUTION EXPERIENCE ON HEALTHY TERM NEONATES

Early initiation of breastfeeding following birth has several advantages such as weight gain, improved immune status and better development. However, for exclusive breastfeeding to be successful, appropriate latching is necessary. Several studies across the globe have noted that improper feeding techniques have resulted in early breastfeeding cessation.Kangaroo mother care is a tool to help provide skin-to-skin contact, especially in preterm infants, to develop bonding, prevent hypothermia and allow adequate breastfeeding. KMC is seldom practiced in healthy term neonates. However, we propose that KMC can help improve breastfeeding practices in this subgroup of infants. The aim of this study is to compare the LATCH scores in term neonates that receive KMC (group A) and dont receive KMC (group B).

Is Early Initiation of Maternal Lactation a Significant Determinant for Continuing Exclusive Breastfeeding up to 6 Months?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) within the first hour after birth. However, certain perinatal factors, namely caesarean section, may prevent this goal from being achieved. The aim of our study was to examine the relationship between EIBF (maternal lactation in the first hours and degree of latching before hospital discharge) and the maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding (MBF) up to the recommended 6 months of age (as advocated by the WHO). This observational, retrospective cohort study included a random sample of all births between 2018 and 2019, characterising the moment of breastfeeding initiation after birth and the infant's level of breast latch (measured by LATCH assessment tool) prior to hospital discharge. Data were collected from electronic medical records and from follow-up health checks of infants up to 6 months postpartum. We included 342 women and their newborns. EIBF occurred most often after vaginal (p < 0.001) and spontaneous births with spontaneous amniorrhexis (p = 0.002). LATCH score <9 points was associated with a 1.4-fold relative risk of abandoning MBF (95%CI: 1.2-1.7) compared with a score of 9-10 points. Although we were unable to find a significant association between EIBF in the first 2 h after birth and MBF at 6 months postpartum, low LATCH scores prior to discharge were associated with low MBF, indicating the importance of reinforcing the education and preparation efforts of mothers in the first days after delivery, prior to the establishment of an infant feeding routine upon returning home.

The Relationship between Psychological Suffering, Value of Maternal Cortisol during Third Trimester of Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Initiation

Background and Objectives: Cortisol, the stress hormone, is an important factor in initiating and maintaining lactation. Maternal suffering during pregnancy is predictive for the initiation and shorter duration of breastfeeding and can also lead to its termination. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the level of salivary cortisol in the third trimester of pregnancy and the initiation of breastfeeding in the postpartum period in a cohort of young pregnant women who wanted to exclusively breastfeed their newborns during hospitalization. Materials and Methods: For the study, full-term pregnant women were recruited between January and May 2022 in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the Mureș County Clinical Hospital. Socio-demographic, clinical obstetric and neonatal variables were collected. Breastfeeding efficiency was assessed using the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool at 24 and 48 h after birth. The mean value of the LATCH score assessed at 24 and 48 h of age was higher among mothers who had a higher mean value of salivary cortisol measured in the third trimester of pregnancy (p < 0.05). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to detect risk factors for the success of early breastfeeding initiation. Results: A quarter of pregnant women had a salivary cortisol level above normal limits during the third trimester of pregnancy. There is a statistically significant association between maternal smoking, alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the level of anxiety or depression. Conclusions: The most important finding of this study was that increased salivary cortisol in the last trimester of pregnancy was not associated with delayed initiation/absence of breastfeeding.

Assessment of Mothers' Mood and Cognition Functions in Perinatal Period and Their Influences on Breastfeeding Success

Aim: In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of peripartum mother's cognitive functioning, anxiety, and postpartum depression of mothers on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding.&#x0D; Material and Method: The pregnant women in the last trimester who were attended in the outpatient department of obstetrics and gynecology were included in the study as the study group. A total of three follow-ups were conducted in the study group. In our study Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to assess cognitive functioning, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) 1,2 to assess anxiety, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to assess postpartum depression, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES) to assess mother's self- efficacy in breastfeeding, LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool to assess mother's and baby's breastfeeding technique. &#x0D; Results: All of 158 pregnant and 96 non-pregnant women were enrolled in the study. After delivery, there was a significant decrease in STAI 2 scores compared to the prenatal period (p=0.001) and a significant increase in MMSE scores (p=0.001). There was no difference in STAI 1,2 , and MMSE scores between the groups with and without successful breastfeeding (p &gt;0.05). LATCH scores were statistically significantly higher in the group that successfully breastfed (p =0.001). LATCH (r=-0.427, p

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

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.

Severity and prevalence of ankyloglossia-associated breastfeeding symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate breastfeeding symptoms associated with ankyloglossia/tongue-tie. Databases included PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies reported baseline breastfeeding symptoms/severity from tongue-tied infants. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality. Low-quality studies were excluded. Main outcomes were weighted mean severity scores for dyads with ankyloglossia relative to reference values for successful breastfeeding. Meta-analyses used inverse-variance-weighted random-effects models. Of 1328 screened studies, 39 were included (5730 infants with ankyloglossia). The mean LATCH score for patients with untreated ankyloglossia, 7.1 (95% CI: 6.7-7.4), was significantly below the good-breastfeeding threshold. The mean Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool score, 10.0 (8.2-11.7), was not significantly below the good-breastfeeding threshold. The mean Infant-Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire-Revised score, 18.2 (10.5-26.0), was consistent with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The mean Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form score, 43.7 (39.3-48.1), indicated significant risk of cessation of exclusive breastfeeding within 1-3 months. Mean nipple pain was 4.9 (4.1-5.7) on a 0-10 scale, greater than typical scores for breastfeeding mothers without nipple damage. Total prevalence of breastfeeding difficulties was 49.3% (95% CI: 47.3-51.4%). Early, undesired weaning occurred in 20.3% (18.5-22.2%) of cases before intervention. Ankyloglossia is adversely associated with breastfeeding success and maternal well-being.

The description of pregnancy status and type of delivery attachment technique in postpartum mothers at the Roemani muhammadiyah hospital Semarang: assessed by latch score analysis

Background: Breast milk plays a role in cognitive, sensory, and motor development and protects against infections and chronic diseases. The process of breastfeeding will protect the baby from illness, and increase cognitive intelligence and social-emotional development between mother and baby. Duration of breastfeeding was associated with acute illnesses, diarrhea, constipation, and a lower likelihood of being overweight/obese. Thus, this study aimed to the investigated correlation between pregnancy status and delivery type with successful breastfeeding in postpartum mothers at Roemani Muhammadiyah Hospital Semarang Methods: This type of research was analytical descriptive, conducted in December 2021 with purposive sampling and a sample size of 120 respondents. The inclusion criteria of postpartum mothers who breastfeed their babies, mothers who are in good health, and baby who has no congenital abnormalities. Respondents who refused and who have babies with congenital abnormalities are excluded from the study. The data was extracted from the questionnaire and also coded into the SPSS 25 ver. Data were analyzed descriptively and analytically by using chi-square analysis. Results: The participant with a planned pregnancy was 107 mothers (89.2%), unplanned 13 mothers (10,8%), section Caesarea type of delivery was 70 mothers (52%) and vaginal type of delivery was 50 mothers (48%). Based on LATCH score analysis planned pregnancy showed good category 38 mothers (31,7%), medium category 69 mothers (57,5%), and planned pregnancy showed good category 4 mothers (3,4%), medium category 8 mothers (6,7%), bad category 1 mother (0,8%). Based on the type of delivery, the vaginal type score was good for 25 mothers (50%), medium for 25 mothers (25%), and the section Caesarea type score was good for 17 mothers (24%), medium for 52 mothers (75%) and bad 1 mothers (1%). Either pregnancy status and type of delivery have P value scores of 0,016 and 0,012, respectively. Conclusion: A mother that delivers a vaginal has a better level of breastfeeding than SC, and pregnancy status such as planned pregnancy also shows a better level than they are not.

Low Latch Score: A Red Flag Sign and an Educational Tool for Intervention Among Mothers to Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding

Introduction LATCH score is used by the health-care professionals (HCPs) to identify mothers who require assistance in breastfeeding. We conducted this study to assess if the low LATCH score can be an indicator to alert the HCPs for intervention to achieve exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) till 6 weeks and also used as an educational tool for mothers to understand and rectify their technique of breastfeeding. Methods In this prospective cohort study, LATCH score was assessed after delivery within 24 h, at 48 h, and at discharge. After first assessment, mothers were informed and counselled about LATCH scoring tool and their confidence was assessed using Likert scale at each time point. Follow-up was done at 6 weeks either by person at the time of immunization or through telephone to know the status of EBF and weight of the infant. Results A total of 251 mothers and neonates were enrolled. Prevalence of EBF was found to be 76% at 6 weeks. Overall, the median LATCH Score at 24 h was found to be 6 (2,10) and at 48 h was 7 (3,10) whereas the median LATCH score at 48 h for those delivered vaginally was 7 (4,10) and those delivered by LSCS was 6.5 (3,9) ( P &lt; .0001). LATCH score of ≥6 at 48 h had sensitivity and specificity of 80% (confidence interval [CI] 68%, 89%) and 69% (CI 62%, 76%) respectively with area under the curve 0.81 (CI 0.74, 0.87) to predict EBF at 6 weeks. We found statistically significant change in mother’s confidence level compared from 24 h to 48 h with better LATCH score and EBF by 6 weeks after informing them about LATCH score. Conclusion A LATCH score of &lt;6 at 48 h can be a significant indicator (Red Flag sign) to intervene and promote exclusive breastfeeding. LATCH scoring itself may be used as educational tool to improve the technique of breastfeeding and thus promote EBF.

Comparative Study of Breastfeeding in Caesarean Delivery and Vaginal Delivery Using LATCH Score and Maternal Serum Prolactin Level in Early Postpartum Period.

Practice of starting and sustaining breastfeeding is affected by many conditions, mode of delivery is one of the major factor influencing it. Purpose of the study was to see if the mode of delivery affects the subsequent lactation in early postpartum period and to raise awareness among the community about the importance of mode of delivery in early initiation of breast feeding. Present study was a hospital based observational, comparative prospective study. A sample size of 120 subjects in each group (caesarean delivery CD Group and vaginal delivery VD group) was required. Serum prolactin and LATCH score both at 1st hour and 24th hour were compared in both groups. Mean LATCH score at 1st hour and 24th hour of CD Group was 5.44 ± 0.68 and 7.12 ± 0.95, respectively. The mean LATCH score at 1st hour and 24th hour of VD Group was 7.12 ± 0.94 and 8.1 ± 1, respectively. Mean serum prolactin level at 1st hour and 24th hour of CD Group was 259.68 ± 33.99 and 309.99 ± 42.27, respectively. Mean serum prolactin level at 1st hour and 24th hour of VD Group was 304.91 ± 42.07 and 333.34 ± 42.65, respectively. The mothers delivered by caesarean had main problem with latch (L) and hold (H) of the baby as compared to mothers delivered vaginally. Mode of delivery has a direct impact on early initiation of breast feeding. Caesarean delivery is a cause for delay in initiation of breastfeeding.

The effect of feeding methods of bottle and injector on the transition to full breastfeeding and sucking success in preterm newborns: A randomized controlled trial

PurposeThis study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding methods of bottle and injector on the transition to full breastfeeding and sucking success in preterm newborns. Design and methodsThis study was a randomized controlled type experimental study. The study sample included 62 preterm newborns, resulting from the strength analysis, who were treated in the neonatal intensive care unit of a university hospital (31 bottle-feeding group, 31 injector feeding group). Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, Preterm Infant Follow-up Form and LATCH Breastfeeding Diagnostic Scale. The infants in the syringe and the bottle-feeding group were fed, and the sucking successes and transition times to breastfeeding were evaluated during the first breastfeeding, after 48 h and before discharge. ResultsWhen sucking successes and transition times to breastfeeding were evaluated, LATCH scores of the mothers in the syringe feeding group were significantly higher than the mothers in the bottle-feeding group, and infants switched to full breastfeeding in a shorter time (p < 0.05). When the physical parameter results were evaluated, the mean heart rate of the babies in the bottlefed group was significantly higher than the injector-fed group (p < 0.05). ConclusionsIt has been seen that injecting feeding method has a positive effect on the success of the newborn, the time of transition to full breastfeeding and life signs according to the bottle-feeding method. The findings obtained in this study suggest that to increase the success of sucking, shortening the transition time to full breastfeeding and using the injector feding method to maintain stabile physical parameters. Application to practiceThe findings obtained in this study suggest that to increase the success of sucking, shortening the transition time to full breastfeeding and using the injector feding method to maintain stabile physical parameters.

Maternal Stress and Neonatal Nutrition during the COVID-19 Era.

COVID-19 pandemic has put a tremendous amount of stress on people, which can negatively affect nursing. Previous studies showed that perceived stress and cortisol levels in the postpartum period correlate with the LATCH scores, which is a simple tool to assess the pattern of nursing. Likewise, greater prenatal anxiety was associated with a shorter breastfeeding duration. We aimed to evaluate whether pregnant women were under extra stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic and if this stress affected their breastfeeding patterns and anthropometric measures of the neonates. Pregnant women giving birth to healthy neonates were included. Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to assess the anxiety levels of the mothers, and LATCH breastfeeding assessment tool was used to assess the nursing. The results of these scales and anthropometric measures of the neonates were recorded. Only one mother showed coronavirus-specific anxiety. Therefore, further analysis was done based on the Beck Anxiety (BA) levels of the mothers. CAS and BA scores were positively correlated (p<0.001, r=0.444), indicating that coronavirus-specific anxiety increased with increasing general anxiety. None of the variables changed depending on the anxiety levels of the mothers, except for the % weight gain at day five (p=0.020, r=-0.248). Even though anxiety seemed to show a small effect on weight loss during the first neonatal days, percent weight gain results did not seem to correlate with the anxiety levels in later stages (first month of life). Furthermore, LATCH scores of the infants on day one were positively correlated with BA scores of the mothers (p=0.045, r=0.175). COVID-19 seemed to have no additional effect on the stress levels of the mothers. The more the mothers have anxiety, the more they may stress about the well-being of their infants, which can improve their nursing pattern.

Effects of the facilitated tucking position in early period on physiological parameters, comfort and breastfeeding performance in late preterm infants: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThis study's aim to determine the effect of facilitated tucking position applied to late preterm infants on physiological parameters, comfort, and breastfeeding performance. DesignThe study was conducted in a randomized controlled experimental design (Clinical Trial number: NCT04704180). MethodsThe study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit of a state hospital in eastern Turkey between November 2018 and July 2019. The sample consisted of 89 neonates meeting the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Neonatal Introductory Information Form, Physiological Parameter Follow-Up Chart, Neonatal Comfort Behavior Scale (NCBS), and Latch Breastfeeding Diagnosis Measurement Form. Facilitated tucking position was applied to the neonates in the experimental group (n = 44) in the early postnatal period. The routine application of the unit was performed on neonates (n = 45) in the control group. Ethical principles were followed at every stage of the study. FindingsIt was determined that the physiological parameters (heart rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, respiratory rate) in the experimental group positioned with facilitated tucking showed a significant improvement compared to the control group (p<0.001). When the mean comfort (Experiment: 9.79±3.63, Control: 15.73±5.13) and LATCH (Experiment: 8.00±1.76, Control: 5.82±2.18) scores of neonates in the experimental group were compared with the control group, a significant difference was found in favor of the experimental group (p<0.001). Implications for practiceIt was determined that the physiological parameters, comfort level and sucking success of late preterm infants who were positioned with facilitated tucking in the early postnatal period were positively affected.

Clinical validation of the infant-driven feeding scales© in Turkey

BackgroundSupporting the development of feeding skills among preterm infants is an important component of neonatal care. The selection of appropriate and supportive feeding interventions begins with a comprehensive assessment of the infant's skills. PurposeThis study aimed to adapt the Infant-Driven Feeding Scales© (IDFS) to the Turkish language. MethodsThis was a methodological, observational, single-center cross-sectional study. The study included 80 infants born at a gestational age ≥ 32 weeks, consecutively admitted to a tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Research data were collected using a premature infant descriptive information form (IDIF), IDFS, and LATCH Score for Breastfeeding Assessment. For the Turkish validity-reliability of the IDF, the translate-back translate method was used with the content validity index (CVI) assessed. ResultsThe scale had CVI values between 0.90 and 1.00 with a mean CVI = 0.96. For measures 1 and 2, there were significant positive and high-level correlations between IFDS-R and IFDS-Q correlation values (r = 0.553–0.958; p = 0.001) and significant negative, low-level correlations between IFDS-R and IFDS-Q with the LATCH scale (r = 0.439–0.532; p = 0.001). According to inter-observer compatibility analyses, the kappa value was 0.94–1.00 for the first measure and 0.96–1.00 for the second measure (p = 0.001). There were negative significant correlations between IDFS-R points with gestational age and postmenstrual age (PMA) (p = 0.001), and gestational age and PMA were explanatory factors for 13.8% of IDFS-R points (F = 7.30, p = 0.001). ConclusionsThe IDFS is recommended for use as a valid and reliable tool to ease the safe and successful development of oral feeding skills in preterm infants and to plan evidence-based interventions. Implications for practiceThe IDFS appears to be a beneficial measurement device for use in assessing the state of readiness of preterm infants for oral feeding and for early determination of risks that may occur due to delayed feeding independence of infants.

Changing Unit Culture to Improve Patient Care Through Lean Management of Infant Feeding Assessment

In 2020 the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Maternal Child Comprehensive Unit Based Safety Program (CUSP) committee identified that nursing documentation of infant feeding times, latch scores, and stool assessments did not meet policy or best practice standards. Concerned for potential unsafe feeding practices, increased formula supplementation, and delayed discharge, the committee adopted this as a quality improvement project.

Comparison of Planned Caesarean Sections Performed After Labor Begins with Those Performed Before Labor Begins in Terms of Postpartum Breastfeeding and Maternal Attachment Levels

Purpose: This study was conducted to compare the postpartum breastfeeding and maternal attachment levels of women who underwent planned caesarean deliveries in which labor had begun and in which it had not. Methods: This comparative-descriptive study was carried in eastern Turkey between March and August of 2017. This study included 180 women who underwent planned caesarean sections after labor began and 180 women who underwent planned caesarean sections before labor began. A personal information form, the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, and the Maternal Attachment Scale (MAS) were used to collect the study data. For the statistical evaluation, the percentage distributions, arithmetic means, standard deviations, chi-squared test, independent samples t test, and Pearson correlation analysis results were used. Results: In the puerperae who had undergone planned caesarean sections after labor began, the MAS total score mean was 97.08±7.54 and the LATCH score mean was 9.34±1.13. These means were 72.97±10.20 and 6.96±1.12, respectively, in the puerperae who had undergone planned caesarean sections before labor began (p&amp;lt;0.001). Additionally, in the puerperae who underwent planned caesarean sections after labor began, it was determined that the rates of breastfeeding and breast milk only feeding were significantly higher, while the jaundice development rate was significantly lower during the first half hour after birth (p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion: The postpartum breastfeeding and maternal attachment levels were significantly higher in those women who underwent planned caesarean sections after labor began.