Suctioning the Newborn: Worthwhile or Not?
Randall Neustaedter OMD, LAc, CCH
It is standard procedure at hospital births
to vigorously suction newborns' respiratory
passages if the amniotic fluid is stained
with meconium. This is done to prevent meconium
aspiration syndrome, a condition where meconium
that enters the lungs may result in pneumonia,
a collapsed lung, or various types of lung
dysfunction. The procedure is accomplished
when the head has emerged from the birth canal
prior to delivery of the shoulders. Like many
medical interventions, suctioning the newborn
is based on theory and not on the basis of
any studies that show its effectiveness. A
study was instituted to determine if this
procedure is warranted.
Researchers studied 2,514 full-term newborns
with meconium-stained amniotic fluid at 12
different sites. One group was suctioned prior
to delivery of the shoulders, the other group
was not. Resuscitation was performed as needed
after birth. The incidence of meconium aspiration
symptoms was exactly the same (4 percent)
in both groups.
This study shows no benefit from a routine
procedure performed on newborn babies and
defies conventional wisdom. Now one more unnecessary
intervention in neonatal care should be abandoned.
Reference:
Vain NE, et al. Oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal
suctioning of meconium-stained neonates before
delivery of their shoulders: multicentre,
randomized controlled trial. Lancet 2004 Aug
14; 364(9484):560-1.
Dr. Neustaedter has practiced homeopathy
and oriental medicine for over 25 years, specializing
in child health care. An accomplished and
well-recognized author, he has written The
Vaccine Guide: Risks and Benefits for Children
and Adults (North Atlantic Books, 2002),
a book that helps consumers make informed
choices about vaccination. His new book, Child
Health Guide: Holistic Pediatrics for Parents
(North Atlantic Books, 2005), represents a
state of the art guide to raising children
with natural medical care. He can be reached
through his extensive website at www.cure-guide.com.
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