Neonatal feeding reflexes and interference from bottle feeding
THE CONTEXT
Breastfeeding relies on rooting, suckling, and swallowing coordinated with breathing. These reflexes mature fully for efficient breastfeeding by term gestation.
Rooting and suckling
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Touching the cheek or side of the mouth causes the neonate to turn the head, open the mouth, and search for the nipple: the rooting reflex.
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Effective suckling requires correct attachment. Sucking begins when the nipple touches the palate.
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Rooting and sucking help the neonate grasp the nipple and areola and elongate them into a teat.
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The neonate compresses this teat between the tongue and palate to draw milk from the lactiferous sinuses.
Swallowing and breathing coordination
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After a few suckles, sufficient milk accumulates to trigger swallowing; milk in the mouth is swallowed reflexly.
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Effective suckling and swallowing require coordination with breathing. The suckle-swallow-breathe cycle lasts about one second.
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Feeding reflexes mature fully for efficient breastfeeding by term gestation.
Bottle feeding and breastfeeding success
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Breastfeeding requires active effort, whereas sucking from a milk-filled bottle is passive and requires the neonate to control free milk flow with the tongue.
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Bottle feeding can cause nipple confusion and interfere with successful breastfeeding. Even one bottle-feeding session considerably reduces the chances of successful breastfeeding.
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The source advises against bottle feeding and associates it with severe infections and malnutrition risk.