Breastfeeding Success and Time of First Meconium Passage

Primary outcomes

1. Timing of the first meconium passage

   Time frame: The difference from the time of birth to the first observed meconium passage during hospitalization, assessed up to the time of discharge (up to 72 hours)

   Newborns were observed from birth until discharge. During this observation, when the first meconium passage occurred, the timing of meconium passage was recorded.

2. LATCH score

   Time frame: LATCH score assessed first breastfeeding, on day 1 (1-24 hours), and on day 2 (24-48 hours). The change in these time intervals will be assessed.

   Breastfeeding success in all newborns was assessed using the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool at three different time points: during the first breastfeeding session (0-1 hours), on day 1 (1-24 hours), and on day 2 (24-48 hours). The LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool was developed in 1993 by Deborah Jensen and Sheila Wallace. The Turkish adaptation and validation of the tool were conducted by Yenal and Okumuş. Modeled after the Apgar scoring system, this tool was designed to objectively evaluate breastfeeding success, identify potential issues, and establish a standardized language among healthcare professionals. The scale consists of five criteria, each scored from 0 to 2, for a total score ranging from 0 to 10. Higher LATCH scores indicate greater breastfeeding success.