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 *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome