Maternal and Newborn Factors Associated with LATCH Score and Breastfeeding Practices: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Facility in Ahmedabad
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51957/Healthline_848_2026Keywords:
Breast Feeding, Infant, Postpartum PeriodAbstract
Introduction: LATCH is an acronym that stands for Latch, Audible swallowing, Type of nipple, Comfort and Hold. It helps in determining the breast-feeding effectiveness in post-natal mothers.
Objectives: 1. To determine LATCH score in post-natal mothers. 2. To explore factors associated with LATCH score in a tertiary healthcare setup.
Method: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in OBGY department of a tertiary care hospital in Ahmedabad among 100 post-partum mothers and their newborns selected purposively. LATCH score was assessed post observation & primary data was collected using pre-validated and semi-structured questionnaire. Chi-square statistics was utilized to determine the maternal and newborn factors associated with LATCH.
Results: Majority of the participants (51%) had a LATCH score of <8, indicating ineffective breast feeding. The mean LATCH score was found to be 7.24 ± 1.86SD, with 5% of participants having lowest LATCH score of 0-3. Lower scores (<8) were significantly associated with caesarean (LSCS) delivery ( , delayed initiation (>1 hour post-delivery) of breastfeeding ( , absence of immediate skin-to-skin contact ( , preterm delivery ( , low-birth-weight ( , primiparity ( poor positioning ( , maternal stress ( and lower maternal confidence ( .
Conclusion: LATCH score among post-natal mothers is primarily poor. Major determinants of lower LATCH scores are delayed initiation, improper positioning, and lack of skin-to-skin contact. Key clinical and maternal risk factors include preterm or C-section delivery, low birth weight, primiparity, low confidence and high maternal stress.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Tithi Kamal Parikh, Dr. Hothal Vegad, Dr. Sudhanshu Saurabh, Dr. Aparajita Shukla, Dr. Hetal Dharmesh Vora (Author)
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