There has been some research on this an babies do tend to open eyes when
feeding. It's thought to be because there is a high chance of interactions
that would build attachment.
Karleen Gribble
Australia
Blass EM, Ciaramitaro V: Oral determinates of state, affect, and action in
human newborns. Monogr Soc Res Child Dev 1994, 59:1-96.

Robson KS: The role of eye-contact in attachment.In Early Human Development.
Edited by: Hutt SJ, Hutt C. London: Oxford University Press; 1973:224-233.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 4:49 AM
Subject: Re: Eyes open / closed (was Code, etc)


> Babies in my practice usually approach the breast with open eyes, and
> continue to breastfeed with their eyes open with an intent look for a
> substantial portion of the feeding. Their eyes flutter closed as they
> approach satiety and relax into drowsiness. I've reviewed a bunch of my
> own videos of babies latching and nursing to confirm this.
>
> I wonder if we are all looking at different populations? I work with
> most babies after hospital discharge, and see a substantial number of
> older infants and even toddlers in my practice. I imagine newborns in a
> hospital environment or an infant exposed to very bright light would be
> more likely to close their eyes to block out the extra stimulation.
> I video using natural light, I made sure my camcorder could work in low
> light before purchasing it.
>
> My own kids mostly nursed with their eyes open (after the sleepy newborn
> period), and would play with me during bf, putting their fingers in my
> mouth for me to kiss or pretend to nibble on, etc. My favorite times
> were when they let go to smile and milk would dribble down the corner of
> their mouths. Wish I had photos!
>
> Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  NYC
>
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