How Infants Use Reflexes When Breastfeeding: Nature’s Built-In Tools for Feeding Success

Breastfeeding is often described as "natural," but what many people don’t realize is just how much newborns rely on primitive reflexes to feed effectively. These infant reflexes aren’t just adorable responses—they’re essential survival tools, hardwired into your baby’s nervous system to help them find the breast, latch properly, and extract milk.

Understanding these reflexes can help parents, caregivers, and professionals better support feeding, especially when challenges arise.

What Are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that babies are born with. They are governed by the brainstem and spinal cord and don’t require conscious effort. These reflexes help babies with vital tasks in the early months of life, especially feeding, bonding, and self-regulation.

Most reflexes naturally integrate (or fade) as the nervous system matures. But during the newborn period, they’re key to helping a baby survive and thrive—particularly at the breast.

The Key Reflexes Involved in Breastfeeding

Let’s take a closer look at the main reflexes that support breastfeeding and how each one works:

1. Rooting Reflex

What it is: When the baby’s cheek or mouth is gently stroked, they turn their head toward the stimulus and open their mouth.

How it helps with breastfeeding:This reflex helps babies locate the breast. It’s triggered when a nipple brushes against the baby’s cheek or lips, prompting them to turn their head, open wide, and begin searching for the nipple to latch.

💡 Parent Tip: You can stimulate this reflex by gently stroking your baby’s cheek or mouth with your nipple or finger during feeding.

2. Sucking Reflex

What it is: When something touches the roof of a baby's mouth, they begin to suck rhythmically.

How it helps with breastfeeding:This reflex enables the baby to draw milk from the breast once latched. It’s a complex coordination of muscles in the mouth, tongue, and jaw.

💡 Note: The sucking reflex is present at birth but continues to mature in the first few months, especially for preemies who may need extra support.

3. Swallowing Reflex

What it is: Automatically causes the baby to swallow when milk collects in the mouth.

How it helps with breastfeeding:Once milk is transferred, the swallowing reflex ensures it goes safely down the esophagus. It’s often heard as a soft “ka” sound during feeds.

💡 Watch for signs: If you hear consistent swallowing sounds, it usually indicates effective milk transfer.

4. Tongue-Thrust Reflex (also called the Extrusion Reflex)

What it is: Causes a baby to push their tongue outward when something touches it.

How it helps (and hinders) breastfeeding:In early infancy, this reflex can help prevent choking by pushing out unwanted or unfamiliar items. However, if it remains strong or doesn't integrate as feeding matures, it can interfere with effective latching and swallowing.

💡 Fun fact: This reflex fades around 4–6 months, which is one reason solid foods are introduced after that point.

5. Gag Reflex

What it is: Protects the airway by triggering a gag when something touches the back of the throat.

How it helps with breastfeeding:The gag reflex prevents the baby from taking in too much milk or allowing objects (like a nipple shield or pacifier) to go too far back into the throat. In infants, the gag reflex is very forward in the mouth and gradually moves back over time.

💡 Therapist tip: An overly sensitive or underdeveloped gag reflex can contribute to feeding difficulties, especially in babies with sensory challenges or ties.

6. Palmar and Plantar Reflexes

What they are: When you place something in a baby’s palm or under their toes, they grip or curl in response.

How they help with breastfeeding:While not directly related to milk intake, these reflexes promote bonding and stability. A baby who grabs onto your shirt or curls their toes may be anchoring themselves during a feed, helping them feel safe and secure.

7. Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex)

What it is: When startled, a baby throws their arms out, then pulls them back in, often accompanied by crying.

How it can affect breastfeeding:A strong Moro reflex can disrupt feeding, especially if baby is startled by movement, loud noises, or a fast milk letdown. It can also lead to baby pulling off the breast suddenly.

💡 Supportive tip: Feeding in a calm, quiet environment during early feeds with good body support can reduce startle responses.

How Reflexes Can Signal Challenges

Sometimes reflexes may not function properly due to underlying issues like:

• Tethered oral tissues (tongue/lip ties)

• Birth trauma or tightness in the neck or jaw

• Nervous system immaturity (especially in preemies)

• Muscle tone imbalances

• Sensory processing difficulties

  
  

In these cases, babies may struggle to:

• Find or stay on the breast

• Latch deeply or transfer milk well

• Coordinate sucking and swallowing

• Stay calm during feeds

  
  

This is where trained providers like lactation consultants, occupational therapists, and bodyworkers can step in to assess reflex integration, oral motor function, and provide gentle support to help feeding improve.

Supporting Reflexes to Support Feeding

Here are a few ways parents can help reflexes do their job:

• Use skin-to-skin contact: This stimulates rooting and helps baby self-attach.

• Try laid-back or biological nursing positions: Gravity and reflex-driven movement can help baby latch more naturally.

• Allow baby time to explore: Letting your baby nuzzle and root before latching encourages proper reflex use.

• Work with trained professionals: A Masterclass trained IBCLC Lactation Consultant and an occupational therapist with experience in infant feeding can assess reflexes and help optimize oral function.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Your baby is born with an amazing toolkit of reflexes to help them breastfeed. These reflexes aren’t just cute or quirky—they’re essential for survival, and they guide your baby through every step of early feeding.

If you’re experiencing feeding difficulties, there may be an issue with how one or more of these reflexes is working. The good news? With the right support, most issues can be addressed gently and effectively. Let our team of IBCLCs and Occupational Therapists help.

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