Background: Effective breastfeeding in the early postnatal period is essential for optimal neonatal growth and sustained exclusive breastfeeding. The LATCH scoring system is a simple, validated tool to assess breastfeeding effectiveness, while breastfeeding education may further enhance breastfeeding outcomes.
Objectives: To evaluate the association of LATCH score at discharge and breastfeeding education with neonatal growth parameters and exclusive breastfeeding rates up to 14 weeks postpartum.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital and included 300 term neonates. Maternal and neonatal demographic data were recorded. Breastfeeding effectiveness was assessed using the LATCH score at discharge, and structured breastfeeding education was provided to eligible mothers. Neonatal growth parameters—weight, length, and head circumference—along with exclusive breastfeeding status were assessed at 6, 10, and 14 weeks postpartum. Statistical analysis included correlation testing using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.
Results: Infants with LATCH scores ?6 at discharge demonstrated significantly greater weight gain, length growth, and head circumference increase at 14 weeks compared to those with lower scores (p < 0.001). Strong positive correlations were observed between LATCH score and weight gain (r = 0.76), length growth (r = 0.72), and head circumference growth (r = 0.68). Exclusive breastfeeding rates were consistently higher among infants with LATCH scores ?6 at all follow-up points. Breastfeeding education at discharge was significantly associated with improved exclusive breastfeeding rates and neonatal growth outcomes, showing strong positive correlations (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). Vaginal delivery was associated with higher LATCH scores and better neonatal weight gain compared to cesarean delivery.
Conclusion: Higher LATCH scores at discharge and structured breastfeeding education are strong predictors of sustained exclusive breastfeeding and improved neonatal growth. Routine LATCH assessment and targeted breastfeeding education should be integrated into postnatal care to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes.
International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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Research Journals