LATCH score and 6-month exclusive breastfeeding in a Baby-Friendly Hospital

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Lactation Science

Background:

• Exclusive breastfeeding for six months is crucial for infant health.
• Factors influencing breastfeeding duration are not fully understood.
• The predictive value of early breastfeeding assessment tools like the LATCH score requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess if early postpartum LATCH scores predict exclusive breastfeeding at six months.
• To identify other clinical and sociodemographic factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding duration.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study at a Baby-Friendly Hospital.
• LATCH scores assessed within 48 hours postpartum.
• Six-month follow-up interviews via phone to determine infant feeding status and bottle/pacifier use.

Main Results:

• 54.8% of mother-infant pairs maintained exclusive breastfeeding at six months.
• Higher early LATCH scores correlated with vaginal delivery, prior breastfeeding experience, and early exclusive breastfeeding.
• LATCH scores did not significantly predict exclusive breastfeeding at six months.
• Bottle use was strongly associated with a reduced likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding at six months (OR 16.672).

Conclusions:

• Bottle use is the most significant factor impacting exclusive breastfeeding at six months.
• Interventions to prevent bottle use are critical for sustaining breastfeeding.
• The LATCH score is insufficient for predicting long-term exclusive breastfeeding outcomes.