Sucking is reflexive.  IF something is placed in the baby's mouth, he
will suck and drink.  Even if that something contains a bitter or sour
substance.  The baby will just suck more slowly if the fluid is sour and
more quickly if it is sweet.  Even fetuses do the same if something is
injected into the amniotic fluid.

That said, I do think babies get hungry after birth, before latogenesis
occurs.  This keeps them working at getting that colostrum, and
stimulating the breast to get that milk going.  Babies who have not been
able to latch at the breast yet are eager to drink colostrum off a
teaspoon.  Some kids even scream for food when only a few hours old.
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  New York City  mailto:[log in to unmask]

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