LATCH SCORING CHEAT SHEET

0 1 2 Questions to ask Scoring Tips

Mother If Feeding
Not Observed
L Too sleepy or reluctant Repeated attempts Grasps breast How did your baby Score 1 if a shield is used
No latch obtained Must hold nipple in Tongue down and forward grasp your breast? for latch.
LATCH mouth Lips flanged Did it take several After 24 hours, score 0 for 2
Must stimulate to suck Rhythmic suckling tries? Did your baby consecutive feeding
suckle on his own or attempts, refer to
did you have to work pediatrician, Lactation.
with him?
A None Did you hear your Score 1 if swallows are
Spontaneous, intermittent
AUDIBLE baby swallow? How heard only if mom uses
A few with stimulation (less than 24 hours old)
SWALLOWING frequently did you breast compression. If 0
Spontaneous, frequent
hear it? after 12 hours, consider
(greater than 24 hours old)
colostrum supplements.
T Inverted Flat Everted (after stimulation) Do your nipples stand Score 1 if mom must do
TYPE OF out or do they flatten Reverse Pressure Softening
NIPPLE easily? before latch
C Engorged Filling, Small blisters Soft Are your nipples If score is 0 or 1, notify
Cracked, bleeding, large or bruises Tender tender? Are your Lactation for consult. Apply
COMFORT blisters or bruises Mother complains of Intact nipples (no damage) breasts becoming full olive oil or lanolin, consider
(Breast/Nipple) Severe discomfort pinching and heavy? Soothies
Mild/moderate
discomfort
H Minimal assist (i.e. No assist from staff. Did someone help you If nurse has to be there for
Full assist (staff holds infant elevate head of bed, put your baby to entire feeding, score this a
HOLD at breast) place pillows) Mother able to breast? Do you need 0.
(Positioning) Teach one side, position/hold infant. help with the next If the mother requests help
HELP mother does other. feeding? next feeding, score this a 1.
Staff help, mother
takes over feeding.

A Latch Score should be recorded at least once per shift on Mom’s chart. If nurse is present for feeding, document a latch score as your Nursing Intervention.
Nurses’ notes are accessible within the Latch Score documentation.