Just yesterday, I worked with a mother and baby. Difficult delivery. Lots of suctioning. Baby absolutely refused to suck on a finger for an exam, even when offered, and not pushed on the baby. When baby did finally accept the gloved finger, the baby gagged very easily and quickly, as opposed to other babies I have examined. Even oral exams can be an intrusion on some babies, depending on the level of oral stimulation that has occurred. I think it is Kittie Franz who might have said that she always offers a finger for an exam, but that it is very important to not assault the baby by forcing. I personally think that if someone suctioned me, I'd be WAY defensive myself. Babies who have been suctioned are often not eager to breastfeed afterwards. IN MY OPINION. Kathleen Kathleen B. Bruce, BSN, IBCLC co-owner Lactnet,TLC, Indep. Consultant Williston, Vermont, where temperatures are in the single digits.... mailto:[log in to unmask] LACTNET Archives http://library.ummed.edu/lsv/archives/lactnet.html