“Effectiveness Of Early Initiation Of Breastfeeding On Latching Behavior Among Neonates At Tertiary Care Hospital Karad, Maharashtra.”

Abstract

Background: Positioning of newborn baby against mother’s nipple and proper latch-on method are fundamental for successful
breastfeeding .Breastfeeding fails due to the lack of proper education about these methods and the support to initiate early breastfeeding.
Methods: A Quasi- experimental design with purposive sampling technique used to select 60 neonates, for control group 30 and
experimental group30 . Assessment of latching Behavior done and consequent 3 readings collected in experimental group after
experimental intervention. Assessment of Latching behavior done and consequent 3 readings collected in control group after routine
breastfeeding practices. LATCH scores were compared using Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test between the two groups.
Results: Average LATCH score was significantly higher in the group where breastfeeding was started within half hour of delivery than
the group where routine breastfeeding practices were followed (8 vs. 5, p value <0.0001).
Conclusion: Early initiation of breastfeeding is a critical factor in governing a successful breastfeeding practices .