Association Between Nipple Length and Early Breastfeeding Success in Postpartum Women: A Descriptive Correlational...

Breastfeeding is essential for improving newborn health and maternal-infant bonding.

To examine the association between nipple length and early breastfeeding success assessed using the LATCH score in postpartum women.

This descriptive correlational study was conducted in the delivery room and obstetric clinic of a university hospital. The researchers aimed to include the entire eligible population without performing sample size calculations. A total of 335 mother-infant pairs were enrolled. The pre-lactation nipple lengths of primiparous mothers were measured, and early breastfeeding success was assessed twice using the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool. Data were collected using an information form, a follow-up form, and the LATCH assessment scale.

The mean nipple length of the mothers was 5.56 ± 3.51 mm, the mean nipple diameter was 17.60 ± 3.09 mm, the mean areola diameter was 6.50 ± 1.35 cm, and the mean time required for newborns to latch onto the breast was 194.77 ± 218.82 seconds. Regression analysis demonstrated that the models explained 60% and 63% of the variance in the LATCH-1 and LATCH-2 scores, respectively. Early breastfeeding success was significantly associated with several maternal nipple characteristics.

Early breastfeeding success in primiparous mothers is associated with maternal nipple characteristics, particularly nipple morphology.