I guess the question should really be - how important are Apgar scores?  I
couldn't count the number of times I've delivered babies and it wasn't until
I was writing up the notes, some long time afterwards, that the other
midwife and myself have decided what the Apgars were then.  Just by looking
at the baby (on the mothers tummy) you know whether the baby needs
resuscitation or not - the score is incidental.  I don't suction babies
unless there is meconium liquor or the baby is obviously in need of
resuscitation.  The best place for a baby to be for at least the first 5
minutes of life (IMHO) is still attached to the mother via the placenta and
in her arms.
Denise
in warm and sticky Brisbane, Australia, awaiting another thunder storm