Arly wrote:
> The
>closest I can come is massaging the palm in a firm, circular manner keeps
>the baby nursing (some babies, that is).

>I often wish I could find a button that would make them open wide!  I'm
>interested in whether other Lactnetters make use of this reported reflex.

I use this all the time, along with stroking the top of baby's head. I
can't remember where I was told about these, but they are both supposed to
be linked to the sucking reflex. Occasionally I have come across a baby
where massaging the palm is like an "on" button for baby to keep sucking. I
share this idea with mothers all the time. Usually they have been told by
hospital midwives to tickle baby's feet or stroke the chin to keep them
awake and sucking. What do others find the most effective?

Joy Anderson IBCLC, NMAA Breastfeeding Counsellor
Perth, Western Australia
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