XL09: Biological Nurturing releases innate breastfeeding behaviours

Lecturer: Dr. Suzanne Colson
L-CERPs: 1.25
Cost: US$18.75
Access Period: One week
Lecture recorded: at GOLD08
Synopsis: Many primitive neonatal reflexes have been observed as specific prebreastfeeding behaviours and are more frequently displayed in the baby when in prone position.
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Lecture Details: Rooting and sucking have been studied extensively as feeding stimulants but little is known about the role other primitive neonatal reflexes (PNRs) might play to aid latch and sustain milk transfer. This presentation will report PhD findings investigating whether certain feeding behaviours and positions, collectively termed Biological Nurturing are associated with the release of those reflexes pivotal in establishing breastfeeding. 40 breastfed healthy term mother/baby pairs were studied. 20 PNRs were described and observed either to stimulate or hinder feeding. Significantly more PNRs were observed as stimulants when mothers were semi-reclined than when they were upright or side-lying. In upright and side-lying postures, pressure is needed along the baby’s back to maintain the baby at the breast. Compelling visual data here suggest that when there is a degree of maternal body slope, the newborn, feeding in abdominal positions, remains closely applied to the mother’s body aided by gravity. Like some other animals, anti-gravity reflexes are released aiding latch. Mapping neonatal reflexes associated with successful breastfeeding, this study also brings to light emerging patterns of maternal instinctual feeding behaviours and is the first step to develop an instrument to augment and enhance clinical assessments supporting breastfeeding continuance.

About the Lecturer: Dr.Suzanne Colson is a midwife with 35 years experience supporting breastfeeding mothers in both hospital and community settings. She is an honorary member and founding mother/leader of La Leche League France. Suzanne is currently a senior lecturer/researcher at Canterbury Christ Church University. Results of her award winning PhD, the first study to describe a range of optimal maternal breastfeeding positions releasing innate behaviours, are in press. Biological Nurturing, the new breastfeeding approach studied is the focus of a practice development project aiming to increase breastfeeding rates at the hospital in East Kent where breastfeeding rates are the lowest in the county.