Breastfeeding in the First Weeks

by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., author of Feeding: The Brazelton Way

As you cuddle your newborn next to your breasts, his arms contained by yours, he may rouse to open his eyes. He may squint at first. He has always seen light dimly, through the filters of the womb. This new, bright light is overwhelming. As he feels your body against his, he quiets down. His hand grasps your finger.

He's likely to pull it up to his mouth. Let him suck on it. (Be sure it is washed, with the nail facing down in his mouth.) He is trying to learn how to suck. He needs practice. As you insert a finger you can feel the three parts of his sucking:

1. The soft chomping of the front of his tongue on your finger against the roof of his mouth
2. The soft rhythmic lapping of the back of his tongue
3. The suction of his throat and esophagus as he tries to pull nourishment out of your finger

By attending carefully, you can feel these three start off independently. Then, as they gather "experience," they begin to pull together. An effective pull is one where all three are coordinated in unison. Imagine being able to let him "learn" how to get the three elements of sucking to come together on your finger! He is preparing for the breast or bottle.

Excerpted from:

Excerpted from Feeding: The Brazelton Way © 2004 by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., and Joshua D. Sparrow, M.D. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Perseus.

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