A Study to Assess the Sucking Reflex of Neonates Born at Selected Hospitals

Introduction A reflex is a movement or action that is performed involuntarily or automatically. Reflexes perform many of our basic body functions. Many of newborn babys body movements are due to reflexes. Some reflex movements occur spontaneously as part of babys normal day to day activities, other occur in response to other triggers.1Sucking problem is a cause of concern for many new mothers, that makes the mothers worried about their babies. Objectives To assess the sucking reflex of newborn. Method A descriptive approach was used in assessing sucking reflex of neonates, 120 samples were selected by probability sampling technique. Demographic Performa & Early feeding skill assessment tool used for data collection. Results It showed that majority of the neonates 97 (80.8 %) were having very good sucking reflex, 23 (19.2 %) were having fair sucking reflex.