Predicting Breastfeeding Duration Using the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool

Abstract

The authors tested the validity of the LATCH breastfeeding assessment tool, controlling for intervening variables in 133 dyads. LATCH scores, mother's evaluation of an index feed, and intended duration of breastfeeding were assessed postpartum and followed 6 weeks. Women breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum had higher LATCH scores (mean +/- SD = 9.3 +/- 0.9) than those who weaned (mean +/- SD = 8.7 +/- 1.0), due to only one measure, breast/nipple comfort. Women who weaned before 6 weeks reported lower breast/nipple comfort (1.5 +/- 0.5) than those who were still breastfeeding at 6 weeks (1.7 +/- 0.5, P < .05). Total LATCH scores accounted for 7.3% of variance in breastfeeding duration. Total LATCH scores positively correlated with duration of breastfeeding (n = 128; r = .26, P = .003) and to mothers' scores (n = 132; r = .58, P = .001). Correlations among LATCH measures ranged from .02 to .51. The LATCH tool is a useful identifies the need for follow-up with breastfeeding mothers at risk for early weaning because of sore nipples.

Sucking and swallowing in infants and diagnostic tools

“…The assessments designed exclusively for breastfeeding also include maternal elements such as the mother's feeding position, nipple pain and the mother's health. The part aimed at the oral-motor patterns is limited: two out of five items in the case of latch, audible swallowing, type of nipple, comfort, hold (LATCH), 37,38 nine of the 22 subitems in the Preterm Infant Breastfeeding Behavior Scale, 43 four out of eight items in the breastfeeding evaluation for term infants. 44 Seven out of eighteen items in the Systematic Assessment of the Infant at the Breast (SAIB).…”

Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk

“…Formal evaluation of breastfeeding, including observation of position, latch, and milk transfer, should be undertaken by trained caregivers at least twice daily and fully documented in the record during each day in the hospital after birth. 174,175 • Encouraging the mother to record the time and duration of each breastfeeding, as well as urine and stool output during the early days of breastfeeding in the hospital and the first weeks at home, helps to facilitate the evaluation process. Problems identified in the hospital should be addressed at that time, and a documented plan for management should be clearly communicated to both parents and to the medical home.…”

Validação para língua portuguesa do instrumento de avaliação do aleitamento materno LATCH

“…Another disadvantage was observed with regard to the "Deglutição audível" (Audible swallowing) item, because audible swallowing is time dependent and not feasible until the third or fourth postpartum day, when the breast milk volume is produced in greater quantity compared to colostrum. (14,25) Nonetheless, concordance was greater than 85% for each of the five components of LATCH, supporting the instrument reliability as an effective tool for breastfeeding assessment by practitioners.…”

“…(9) Among the tools available in the literature that help to evaluate the performance of the nursing mother and the baby during breastfeeding, we highlight the LATCH Scoring System, which is highly researched, probably because of its practicality. (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18) The tool was elaborated in 1994 in the USA by a nurse called Deborah Jensen (12) and her group with the objective to document the assessment of breastfeeding during individual sessions in a systematic manner.…”