Imprinting, latchment and displacement: a mini review of early instinctual behaviour in newborn infants influencing breastfeeding success

Elsie J. Mobbs, George A. Mobbs*, Anthony E. D. Mobbs

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

26 Citations (Scopus)
75 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Instinctive behaviours have evolved favouring the mother–infant dyad based on fundamental processes of neurological development, including oral tactile imprinting and latchment. Latchment is the first stage of emotional development based on the successful achievement of biological imprinting. The mechanisms underpinning imprinting are identified and the evolutionary benefits discussed. It is proposed that the oral tactile imprint to the breast is a keystone for optimal latchment and breastfeeding, promoting evolutionary success.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)24-30
Number of pages7
JournalActa Paediatrica
Volume105
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2016
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Copyright the Author(s) 2015. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

Keywords

  • breastfeeding
  • decoy
  • displacement
  • imprinting
  • latchment

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