Outcomes of Video-Assisted Teaching for Latching in Postpartum Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Latching is an important process of breastfeeding and should be taught and practiced by the postpartum mother.

Objective: The objective is to compare latching outcomes between video-assisted and routine teaching methods among postpartum women.

Materials and methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Postpartum women who had deliveries without complications were randomized into two groups: 14 cases in the video-assisted teaching group and 14 cases in a routine teaching group. In the first group, the mothers were taught breastfeeding benefits, latching methods, and breastfeeding positions and practiced breastfeeding in a controlled setting for a 30-minute period and watched a 6-minute video with consistent content. In the second group, the mothers were taught a normal 30-minute period and then practiced breastfeeding. In both groups, Latching on, Audible swallowing, the Type of nipples, Comfort, and Help (LATCH) scores were assessed at 24-32 and 48-56 hours after the breastfeeding teaching modals. Demographic data and LATCH scores were collected and analyzed.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the mothers' ages, occupations, marital status, religion, education, income, infants' gestational age, body mass index, nipple length, route of delivery, and time to first latching between the video-assisted and routine breastfeeding teaching groups. First and second LATCH score assessments had shown no significant differences between both breastfeeding teaching groups.

Conclusion: The video-assisted breastfeeding teaching did not improve latching outcomes when it was compared with routine teaching.

Keywords: LATCH score; breastfeeding teaching; video-assisted teaching.