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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