Years ago I read a study on relative periods of reactivity (I think that was the term used) of the normal newborn in a pediatric textbook.  It dovetails nicely with the fact that during the immediate postpartum (1-2 hours post delivery) a bolus of colostrum is received.  The second period was described as deep sleep and a decrease in bowel sounds, some spitting or regurgitation of amniotic fluid.  It made a lot of sense to me and helped explain why that first feed is so important and why it is sometimes impossible to wake a baby for 5 or 6 hours after the first feed.  This is the time that the nurses and patients call me anxiously because the baby hasn't eaten in "x" number of hours.  Does this study sound familiar to anyone?  If so, I would love a reference.
Thanks very wise ones,
Polly Westra RN, IBCLC



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