What it is about? It is really important to Neonates?
Reflexes are involuntary movements or actions. Some movements are spontaneous, occurring as part of the baby's usual activity.
There are some reflexes where caregiver can Identify it its normal or not.
ROOTING REFLEX
It is a touching or stroking the cheek near the corner of the mouth.If the neonates head turns in direction of stimulation so that neonate can find food.When the mothers breast touches the cheek the neonate turn upward the nipple It is the normal reactions of neonates.This reactions is long lasting until 6th week of life when the source of food can be seen.(newborn eyes focus steadily.
SUCKING REFLEX
This time when touching the lips with the mothers nipple of the breast or bottle or any object,The reaction of neonate is suckling movement that enable the NB to take in food.Begins to diminish after 6 months. Disappears soon after birth if not stimulated. If a neonate cannot take oral feedings a pacifier maybe used to maintain the reflex.
SWALLOWING GAGGING
It is a accompanies the suckling reflex.when more is taken into the mount that can be successfully swallowed. the response of neonate is when food reaching the posterior portion of the mouth is swallowed.immediate return of undigested food., this reflex is not disappear.
SNEEZING AND COUGHING
When the foreign substance entering the upper or lower airways., the neonate initiates clearing the upper air passages by sneezing ;the lower passages by coughing.this kind of reflex is not disappear.
BLINKING
Exposure of eyes to bright light from a flashing or otoscope or sudden movement of object toward eye.This reflex help a neonate to protect of the eye by rapid eyelid closure. its also not disappeared.
Being a neonate care provider we must know all this reflex and even just a ordinary mother its better to us if we know this to make us comfortable or we aware about this.