I am a NRP instructor (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) and babies who have meconium 
present in the amniotic fluid at birth who are vigorous are not to be suctioned.  Routine 
suctioning in cases of meconium where the baby is vigorous can cause more harm than 
good.  Also, no babies are to be suctioned at the perineum as the practice of routine 
suctioning has not been found to be helpful.

Slightly off topic and personal....  I always thought that babies who have stuffy noses post 
delivery were snuffly because of trauma caused by suctioning.  My own baby was snuffly 
from birth to the point of needing to breathe out through her mouth.  She was born at home 
and never suctioned.  Seems her face got quite smooshed against my tailbone on the way 
out.  Another little thing Anna has taught me.  She didn't latch until she was 36 hours old.

Cordelia 

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