Table IV.

LATCH scale.

	0	1	2	Example questions
L– latch	Too sleepy or reluctant No latch obtained	Repeated attempts Must hold nipple in mouth Must stimulate to suck	Grasps breast Tongue down and forward Lips flanged Rhythmic suckling	How did your baby grasp your breast? Did you baby suckle on his own or did you have to work with him?
A–audible swallow	None	A few with stimulation	Spontaneous	Did your you baby hear swallow? How frequently?
T– type of nipple	Inverted	Flat	Everted (after stimulation)	Do your nipples stand out or do they flatten easily?
C– comfort	Engorged Cracked, bleeding, large blisters or bruises Severe discomfort	Filling Small or bruises blisters Mother complains of pinching Mild/moderate discomfort	Soft Tender Intact nipples (no damage)	Are your nipples tender? Are your breasts becoming full and heavy?
H– hold	Full assist (Staff holds infant at breast)	Minimal assist (i.e. elevate head of bed, place pillows) Teach one side mother does other Staff help, mother takes over feeding	No assist from staff Mother able to position/ /hold infant	Did someone help you put your baby to breast? Do you need help with the next feeding?