ABSTRACT
Objective: 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.
ABSTRACT
We aimed to compare continuous temperature-monitoring usingBluetooth-enabled thermometer (BET) and intermittent monitoringby digital thermometer (DT) in neonates. Continuous monitoringusing BET identified 377 episodes of hypo/hyperthermias in 90baby-days; 316 (83.8%) episodes were confirmed by DT and 61(16.2%) were false alarms. Five episodes were missed by BET.The agreement between digital thermometer and BET was good.Continuous temperature monitoring helps in early identification ofhypo/hyperthermia in neonates.