LATCH Score at Discharge: A Predictor of Weight Gain and Exclusive Breastfeeding at 6 Weeks in Term Healthy Babies.

OBJECTIVES: World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months after birth. However, problems with the baby failing to latch properly are common in the postpartum period contributing to breastfeeding cessation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of LATCH score to predict EBF and weight gain at 6 weeks postpartum along with an optimum LATCH score cutoff. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted in India. Ninety-three mother-infant dyads at term gestation were enrolled. Two LATCH score assessments were done by a lactation consultant: first within 24 hours of birth and second at discharge. Mothers with low LATCH scores were counselled before discharge. EBF rate and weight gain velocity were analyzed at 6 weeks. RESULTS: LATCH score ≥6 at discharge has the highest sensitivity (92.1%) and specificity (66.7%) for predicting EBF at 6 weeks postpartum (RR, 95% CI; 5.63 [4.32-12.65], P = 0.0003). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of LATCH score at discharge and EBF at 6 weeks had an area under the curve of 0.785 with a cutoff ≥5.5, showing the highest sensitivity of 93.6% with a false-positive rate of 30.1%. LATCH score >6 at discharge was significantly associated with higher EBF rate (RR, 95% CI; 0.61 [0.39-0.94]) and appropriate weight gain (≥ 20 grams/day) at 6 weeks of age (RR, 95% CI; 0.44 [0.25-0.75]). After counselling, the LATCH score significantly improved at discharge in mothers (n = 62) with an initial score <6 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: LATCH score is a simple tool to identify mothers who require breastfeeding support and counselling before discharge from the hospital to prevent early breastfeeding cessation.