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.