Abstract

The present study was done to assess the LATCH score in predicting exclusive breastfeeding by 6 weeks and 10 weeks of age and simultaneously used as an educational tool among educated mothers to improve their knowledge and confidence in promoting exclusive breastfeeding. Materials and methods: This hospital-based prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Viswabharathi Medical College, over 1 year from, during which 96 primipara mothers with their newborns were enrolled in the study. LATCH score was assessed at 8 hours of life and 48 hours of life. Mothers were contacted during routine immunization at 6 weeks and 10 weeks and enquired whether the baby is exclusively breastfed or not and the reason for early weaning was enquired for. Results: In the current study it was observed that the majority of mothers belong to the age group of 21- 25 years and belonged to the middle class. The sex ratio among the infants was equal. The majority (50%) of the mothers had a normal vaginal delivery, 14.3% had elective LSCS, 31.2% had emergency LSCS and 4.1% had assisted vaginal delivery using forceps. The majority of infants (45.8%) were first fed between 61 to 90 minutes. The mean time of first feed in the infants was 68.36 ± 31.14 minutes with a minimum time of 20 minutes and maximum time of 225 minutes. There was a significant increase in time for first feed among infants delivered by caesarian section when compared with delivered by normal vaginal delivery. Among various reasons for early weaning (n=35), the majority (37.1%) had less breast milk secretion. Conclusion: This study concludes that the LATCH score can be used to identify mothers who would adopt non-exclusive breastfeeding and how proper education about breastfeeding can alter the attitude of mothers to adopt EBF.

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