Thanks Ann Calandro for bringing this up.  I've not found anything in our
literature about "mucousy" babies, and yet this is a common problem that
interferes with breastfeeding in the new mums and babies I see when asked to
come in to our private clinic.  Here the babies are not routinely suctioned
at birth, but if the gagging/vomiting is going on a bit, or the baby seems
to have trouble catching his breath then the Sisters will take the baby for
a stomach wash.  This usually fixes the problem, baby's appetite returns and
breastfeeding can carry on.  It can be a bit disconcerting to a new mum
trying to initiate breastfeeding when the baby looks as if he's going to be
sick and doesn't want to nurse, and it means that the breasts may not be
stimulated, and the baby doesn't have the "practice" at breastfeeding he
needs in the vital first couple of days.  I suggest to the mum that she
start manually expressing her colostrum or milk regularly (every 2 - 3
hours) and spoon it to the baby until he shows that he wants to breastfeed.
This at least results in the breasts being stimulated/drained and the baby
being fed.    I'd be interested to hear how others handle this, or if there
are any references.

Pamela, Zimbabwe