Hi Some research did report the apparent ability of infants to imitate mouth gestures ... see
http://www.baillement.com/meltzoff.html I vaguely remember some questions were raised about alternative explanations. For example, tongue sticking out might appear like a mother's nipple and produce tongue protrusion as a natural part of feeding. I'm not sure how well this accounts for all imitations reported. Apparently there is on-going research on this question, including work with infant monkeys that is being related to mirror neurons. See http://scienceblogs.com/smoothpebbles/2006/09/a_mustsee_mirror_neurons_in_yo.php Take care Jim James M. Clark Professor of Psychology 204-786-9757 204-774-4134 Fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> Philippe Gervaix <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 20-May-08 3:12 AM >>> Hello, my daughter is studying to become a midwife and they had a course on breast feeding yesterday. They were told that when the baby is not feeding well, it may be that he is not opening his mouth enough, so the mothers are advised to "show" him how to by opening their mouth forming a big "O", so the baby, by imitation will open his mouth as well. My question is: I could accept that during breast feeding, the mother's face is at the right distance for the baby to "see" her (10-15 inches), BUT is the scheme of imitation already present 2-3 days after birth? If the phenomenon is verified, is it because the baby imitates, or because while opening her mouth, the mother also changes her posture so that the baby is in a better position to suck properly? Any hints? Phil Gervaix Gymnase de Burier Montreux Switzerland --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
