In previous studies, newborn infants placed on their mother's chest grasped
a nipple and sucked without assistance. Furthermore, neonates sucked prefe
rentially from an untreated breast rather than the alternative breast that
had been washed to eliminate its natural odour. This study investigated the
influence of breast odours per se on orientated physical movement of neona
tes. In total, 22 babies were observed during two trials on a warming bed.
In one trial, a pad carrying the mother's breast odour was placed 17 cm in
front of the baby's nose; in the other trial a clean pad was used. More bab
ies moved towards and reached the breast pad than the clean pad.
Conclusion: Natural breast odours unsupported by other maternal stimuli the
refore appear to be sufficient to attract and guide neonates to the odour s
ource.