One of my girls delivered this afternoon - pup No 5 was born out of his sac and feet first - I had to work for about 5 mins to get him going.  He is not suckling at all well - I've given him a little colostrum to keep him going etc.  He keeps making his way to the side of the whelping box away from the others.  Do you think this means there's something wrong and I should let him go or continue to assist him.

I would always assist in the first instance unless obvious signs of deformity. I have had as you describe, which have gone on to be healthy. I know how tiring it is and stressful but I would continue trying to get the pup onto the teat. Maybe try a little glucose and water drops on the tongue to give it a little energy. If still can't get the pup on the teat I supplement with lactol/whelpi until they are strong enough, some disagree with me on that but it has worked for me.

The litter that I have just bought my pup from had a similar problem. The last pup, of ten, was born limp with little signs of life. The breeder spent twelve minutes breathing for her before she sprung into life. She is quite a bit smaller then the rest, but has fared very well and is going to live with another member of the breeders family as they have all fallen in love with her.

Pup improving all the time - gave him some glucose water which has seemed to give him energy.  He has stopped leaving mum and has been able to suckle.  He does have trouble finding a nipple and latching on but it getting better each time so fingers crossed all will go well from now.  Very little sleep last night so coping to catch up a little during the day.
Thanks for your advice x

Do you have vet/nutro drops, they improve energy in a small amount of fluid so doesn't fill the pup up and put it off feeding

Hope he goes from strength to strength.

I had similar, I gave her Dopram v to help her take her first breath as she was huge, breech and stuck at first. Then I gave her Nutri Drops and encouraged her to suckle and she is still the biggest in the litter. Good luck.
Paula x

Pup is doing really well now - suckling as much as the others.  Must be he just took a while longer to get going.

Thank you - all appears to be well at the moment