LATCHES – A memory aide for the principles of attachment for effective breastfeeding: Findings of a regional pilot in the Northeast of England and North Cumbria

Abstract Background Breastfeeding rates have increased significantly in the last 10 years but more needs to be done to achieve the global target for 70% of mothers to exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months by 2030 [1]. The UK has some of the lowest rates of breastfeeding, particularly in the Northeast of England, and as such more needs to be done to support mothers to breastfeed for as long as they would like to. Methods Key breastfeeding practitioners were brought together to select one of two memory aides for principles of attachment for effective breastfeeding. The selected memory aide was piloted with 57 participants with a key role in promotion and support of breastfeeding in the Northeast of England and North Cumbria. Findings Participants reported mixed views about the proposed memory aide with more experienced staff reporting more favourable opinions than student midwives and early years practitioners. Discussion and outcomes Findings of the pilot indicate there is a role for a mnemonic to help practitioners understand, recall and retain theory around attachment for effective breastfeeding but the piloted memory aide needs further development. Conclusion Using data from the pilot the memory aide was refined and the final version LATCHES agreed for wider dissemination. Future research is needed to understand its wider impact on breastfeeding practice.