Kathy, I have seen several babies who have had latch-on problems after being suctioned. We know that babies are very alert at birth and that this is a good time to breastfeed because they are "imprinting", so if the first thing that happens to them is a painful procedure to their most sensitive and aware area, they may decide that they don't want anything put in their mouth. I think it helps moms to understand this and then to be very gentle with these babies and try to reawaken the baby's natural instincts. I would like to hear a discussion from some of our doctors and nurses about how necessary all this suctioning is. The home birth babies I have seen are a little congested in the first couple days but they nurse and spit it up and do fine. Marilee Woodworth IBCLC.