Hi all Yes, there is a connection between massaging an infant's palm and encouraging feeding. There is a 'primitive' reflex called the snouting reflex which means that firm pressure on the palm (I usually use across palm from thumb to little finger) will cause a snouting or rooting type facial movement. I've seen it in young infants (it disappears with time, like the tongue thrust and other reflexes) and also in adults after strokes, when brain damage causes a recurrence of these reflexes. I'm not sure what the effect of gently stroking over the anterior fontanelle is, but it seems to encourage babies to suck. Hope this helps Fiona Coombes Doctor and LC Perth Western Australia