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The sucking reflex seems to belong with the rooting reflex. It is present before birth, and also aids in breastfeeding. It causes the child to instinctively begin to suck on anything that touches the roof of their mouth. This reflex is common to mammals, and specifically designed to express milk through the breastfeeding process. There are two stages to the action.
If you touch your newborn's cheek lightly with your finger or other yielding object, the baby will orient its head toward the touch, open its mouth and attempt to suck. This reflex is also called the 'search reflex.' The baby turns its head in hopes of attaining milk to drink.