Just heard from Hannah Hulme Hunter, midwife, Lacnetter but currently
NOMAIL. She confirms as follows:

'Suctioning has not been done *routinely* for several years. We were
starting to question it way back in the early 80s when I trained!
Modern textbooks talk about 'gentle' suction 'only if necessary' - very
'mucusy' baby, maybe, who is obviously spluttering. Even then, most
midwives simply simply lie baby on mother's abdomen, with head to side or
down to facilitate drainage, observe closely, and wait for him to sneeze!
We may wipe his face to remove blood, faeces - but that's about all.
Obviously, if there has been meconium in the liquor, or recus is needed,
then suction may be indicated. In the first instance, this is usually done
with a manual aspirator (one end in midwife's mouth, mucus trap in
between). Generally via mouth, nostrils very gently. If necessary, a paed
or senior midwife may then perform deeper suction, using an electric
sucker, laryngoscope and light.'

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK