Introduction: Neonatal pre-feeding responses (NFR) that appear in newborns
before the first feed are play an important role in their development. The pattern
and diversity of these PFR need to be further investigated.
Aim: To examine the patterns and factors associated with NFR in relation to
delivery practices, breastfeeding practices and later development.
Methods: We examined NFR among 90 infants, 45 who were delivered by
cesarean section delivery (CSD) and 45 underwent vaginal delivery (VD). Data
related to antenatal care, age, parity, gravidity, health related complications in
mother, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and breastfeeding frequency (BFF) and
duration of continued breastfeeding in previous child (CBF). Type of C-section;
elective versus emergency and duration of VD were taken into consideration.
Other information included previous breastfeeding practices.
Results: We identified 13 NFR. The grasp response was the most common NFR
(68.9%) in vaginal and attempting to turn head was commonest in CSD (64.4%).
and sucking at breast were significantly associated with EBF and developmental
scores (in VD only) (r0.3 at P