I think the concept of a "goopy" baby often comes from others aroung the mom/baby coiuplet-grandmas, friends etc who may be at the delivery-yes, and even some nurses.  If mom has the immediate sts with baby, she doesn't seem to focus on bits of blood etc.  Yes, wiping should be sufficient.  Also, by leaving any vernix on baby to be absorbed naturally, the skin is so much softer.  I have often thought that if vernix coud be bottled, it would outsell any skin conditioner currently on the market! (tic)  When there is a rush to bathe the baby, I have seen lots of dry, cracked skin the next day.  How sad.
The major factor in the rush to bathe may well come from the fact that (at least where I worked) the rule was that the nurse had to glove for any contact with baby before the initial bath.  And what message does this send?
Winnie Mading IBCLC-retired (who was thrilled to have the chance to cuddle a little 5-week old at a choral workshop this weekend while mom ate her meals!_

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