Hello to all,
Worked with a newborn in hospital (<24 hrs) with alot of thick oral/nasal
secretions (vaginal birth, bulb suctioned at birth, family feels suctioning
was mild not vigourous).  He looked like he wanted to nurse, rooting,
latching, not sucking though, but kept sneezing, "snorting" thickish
secretions out.  What worked best was infant prone on mother supine, and
letting baby try to self-attach and being prone helped him handle secretions
IMO.  My question is: how much, if any suctioning, would you do to this baby,
realizing that aversion may occur.  I discussed this with mom who was quick
with the bulb syringe, discussing that we needed to maintain clear airway but
tempering that with as little aversive interventions as possible - we opted
to gently wipe away the secretions he snorted and use the bulb just at the
tip of the nares to grab the stuff when he snorts it out.  Mom liked the
supine position and has been keeping the baby in bed with her.  Advised
placing infant on side if uses bassinet, as placing baby on tummy not
recommended anymore in US.  I did not want to see baby on his back either,
although that is recommended now.  Your collective input appreciated as
always.

Laurie Wheeler, Rnc, Mn, Ibclc
Violet Louisiana