The Impact of Breast Crawl on the Effectiveness of Breastfeeding in the First 48 Hours: A Quasi-experimental Study

Abstract

Background Breast crawl is known to be the most natural, spontaneous, and logical method of initiating breastfeeding; however, not practiced routinely in many labor rooms. Objective The study’s primary objective was to examine the effect of breast crawl on breastfeeding in the first 48 hours. Method 60 mother-infant dyads were included. Thirty infants were assigned to either Group 1 (breast crawl) or Group 2 (standard care) using a quasi-experimental design. All babies were observed for 1 hour. A blinded investigator did the LATCH (Latch Audible Swallowing Type of Nipple Comfort Hold) score and IBFAT (Infant Breast Feeding Assessment Tool) score at 24 and 48 hours. Result Out of 30 babies in the breast crawl group, 25 (83.3%) successfully completed breast crawl. 20 (80%) of 25 babies completed breast crawl within 45 minutes, and 5 (20%) completed within 60 minutes. LATCH and IBFAT scores were significantly higher in the breast crawl group than in the standard care group at 24 and 48 hours ( p > .01). Scores were significantly higher after 48 hours compared to 24 hours in both groups ( p > .01). Conclusion Most babies in the study successfully crawled the breast and took their first feed within 60 minutes. The breast crawl group had better LATCH and IBFAT scores, indicating a positive impact in the early postnatal period.