Instinctive behaviours have evolved favouring the mother–infant dyad based on fundamental processes of neurological development, including oral tactile imprinting and latchment. Latchment is the first stage of emotional development based on the successful achievement of biological imprinting. The mechanisms underpinning imprinting are identified and the evolutionary benefits discussed.ConclusionIt is proposed that the oral tactile imprint to the breast is a keystone for optimal latchment and breastfeeding, promoting evolutionary success.

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Results: The surveys were sent to over 280 graduates with a return rate of 53% (range 28% -86% by university). Of those responding 95% were employed with 80% employed full-time. Thirty-two percent were employed in primary care settings with an additional 10% in school-based clinics. Fiftythree percent were employed in specialty practice in either inpatient or outpatient settings. They often cared for children with acute conditions (60%) and chronic health conditions (53%) irrespective of clinical setting.Role functions varied by practice setting with provision of preventive health interventions, growth and development counseling, lifestyle behavior counseling, and initiation of referrals being performed more frequently (p< .05) by PNPs in primary care or school-based settings. Provision of case management, staff development, policy and program development, writing for publication, participation in research, system change activities, delegation of care and supervision of students was performed more often (p< .05) by PNPs in hospital settings.Forty-six percent indicated they were interested in doctoral education with 22% indicating interest in a PhD and 78% indicating interest in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Conclusion:Pediatric Nurse Practitioners are highly educated and skilled additional pediatric health care providers and should be utilized to their fullest potential.