I have not had the chance of hearing Suzanne speak, and I have not yet read
the following paper, but I dont' think I have seen mention of her work on
Lactnet. In the UK some people talk about her work a lot.
Magda Sachs
Early Hum Dev. 2008 Feb 1 [Epub ahead of print] Links
Optimal positions for the release of primitive neonatal reflexes stimulating
breastfeeding.Colson SD, Meek JH, Hawdon JM.
Department of Health Well-being and the Family, Canterbury Christ Church
University, Faculty of Health and Social Care, North Holmes Road, Canterbury
CT1 1QU, England.
BACKGROUND: Despite widespread skills-teaching, 37% of UK mothers initiating
breastfeeding stop by six weeks suggesting a need to reappraise current
support strategies. Rooting, sucking and swallowing have been studied
extensively but little is known about the role other primitive neonatal
reflexes (PNRs) might play to support breastfeeding. AIMS: To describe and
compare PNRs observed during feeding, investigating whether certain feeding
behaviours and positions, collectively termed Biological Nurturing, (BN) are
associated with the release of those reflexes pivotal in establishing
successful feeding. METHOD: 40 breastfed healthy term mother/baby pairs were
recruited using quota sampling to stratify term gestational age. Feeding
sessions were videotaped in the first postnatal month, either in hospital or
at home. FINDINGS: 20 PNRs were validated and classified into 4 types
(endogenous, motor, rhythmic and anti-gravity) and 2 functional clusters
(finding/latching, milk transfer) either stimulating or hindering feeding.
Significantly more PNRs were observed as stimulants in semi-reclined
postures (BN) than when mothers were upright or side-lying (p=<0.0005).
DISCUSSION: This study is the first to describe a range of semi-reclined
maternal postures interacting with neonatal positions, releasing maternal
instinctual behaviours and PNRs stimulating breastfeeding. Traditionally the
human neonate has been considered a dorsal feeder with pressure needed along
the baby's back. Compelling visual data here illustrate that the newborn is
an abdominal feeder and, like some other animals, displays anti-gravity
reflexes aiding latch. Findings suggest that breastfeeding initiation is
innate for both mother and baby, not learned, thus challenging the routine
skills-teaching currently central to breastfeeding support.
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