Rapheal, Sneha MariyaRajaiah, BalakrishnanKarupanan, RajendranAbiramalatha, ThangarajRamakrishnan, Srinivas2023-08-252023-08-252023-01Rapheal Sneha Mariya, Rajaiah Balakrishnan, Karupanan Rajendran, Abiramalatha Thangaraj, Ramakrishnan Srinivas. LATCH Score for Identification and Correction of Breastfeeding Problems- A Prospective Observational Study. Indian Pediatrics. 2023 Jan; 60(1): 37-400079-60610974-7559http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/225414Objective: To determine early breastfeeding problems using LATCH tool, and analyze the impact of breastfeeding supportive measures in improving LATCH score. Methods: This prospective study included all inborn term neonates born at our center between September, 2019 and March, 2020. Breastfeeding problems were identified by LATCH score at 6-12h after birth, and were addressed by the study team providing breastfeeding support, education and training to mothers. LATCH scores were reassessed at 24-48h. Results: Among 400 mother-infant dyads, 399 (99.7%) required support to position the neonate, 190 (47.5%) had poor latch and 52 (13%) had nipple problems during initial assessment. Breastfeeding supportive measures improved the LATCH score [median (IQR) 7 (5,8) vs 8 (8,8) at 6-12 and 24-48 hours, respectively; P <0.001], and reduced the number of mothers with LATCH score <8 [288 (72%) vs 63 (15.8%); P <0.001]. Conclusion: LATCH is a comprehensive yet simple tool to identify breastfeeding problems. Given the high incidence of breastfeeding problems during early postpartum period, systematic assessment of breastfeeding related problems using LATCH tool can help timely intervention and improvement in the breastfeeding technique.Breastfeeding supportCounsellingLatchingNeonatal feedingJournal ArticleIndiaNeonatal Intensive Care Unit, Kovai Medical Center and Hospital (KMCH), Coimbatore, Tamil NaduDepartment of Pediatrics and Neonatology, KMCH Institute of Health Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu