Dear Kathleen, I have a couple things to say about the relationship of suctioning to breastfeeding latch-on. I attend a number of births with my students so I get to see what is done to the baby and also be there forethat first latching-on attemp. Just last night attended another birth where there water had broken with some meconium in the water. The parents had requested no more than bulb suctioning. Because of the meconium the doctor explained that they would have to do more. As soon as the baby came out it was handed to the nurse practitioner and the suctioning began. The baby was very aggitated but soon quieted. This baby did not latch on for at least 8 hours after that and each time she was put to the breast she pushed away. This is not the first time I have seen this. She was also a very tired baby, more than usual, expecially for a short labor and the use of no drugs. I have a theory, although based on my observation alone along with limited knowledge the newborn. I think that not only does the suctioning irritate the mouth, laryx and nose of a baby so that it is sore to the touch and sore to swallow but it also tires a baby so that it needs time to recover enough strength to feed. I have also read in a recent article that such "trauma" to a newborn can cause the newborn to return to fetal heart function (using only two chambers of the heart instead of all four) and that this can cause stress to the systems and may limit oxygen intake. A medical professional will have to verify that for all of you because I am basing this on one artical I also have to think about how adults who have had an N/G tube for even just hours will complain of the discomfort they have in resuming regular liquids. I truely feel that this is an interesting topic that needs further in vestigation. Especially since some hospitals in their attempt to be through do gastric lavage on ALL babies born in their hospital. I will be sitting at the computer waiting to hear more about this since this is something childbirth educator and a La Leche League should be concerned about. Becky -- Becky Hanson, BA, LLLI, AAHCC, ICEA & MOM X 2