Mukherjee, RanajitMunian, DineshBasu, Abhishek2019-12-062019-12-062018-09Mukherjee Ranajit, Munian Dinesh, Basu Abhishek. Acceptability of Latch Breastfeeding Assessment Tool as a Predictor of Breastfeeding Duration. Annals of International medical and Dental Research. 2018 Sep; 4(5): 1-32395-28222395-2814http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/188270Background: This study aims to test the validity of LATCH tool to check if it can predict breastfeeding duration at 6 weeks postpartum. Methods: Mother-infant dyads were evaluated using LATCH breastfeeding assessment tool within 36 to 72 hours postpartum. Participants are healthy newborns at term gestation, birth weight ≥2500gm, born by vaginal delivery or C-section, rooming with their mothers. After 6 weeks postpartum, participants were followed up and were asked their experience of breastfeeding. Results: Total 130 mother-infant dyads participated; among which 122 attended follow up at 6 weeks. 108 infants were on breastfeeding and 14 mothers had reported they had stopped breastfeeding. LATCH score of the mother-infant dyads who continued breastfeeding for 6 weeks postpartum was 8.4±1.2 and those who stopped breastfeeding had LATCH score 8.5±0.9. ROC curve does not show any acceptable cut off to predict breastfeeding at 6 weeks. Conclusion: Early breastfeeding assessment using LATCH tool within 36 to 72 hours postpartum could not predict breastfeeding duration. Further studies with large sample size are warranted.Journal ArticleIndiaAssociate Professor, Department of Neonatology, IPGME&R – Kolkata.Assistant Professor, Department of Neonatology, IPGME&R – KolkataAdministrator, Human Milk Bank, Department of Neonatology, IPGME&R – Kolkata.