Vitamin K - oral or IM

ChelsiAnn13

Did anyone chose to give oral vitamin K instead of letting the LO get the IM vitamin K? Its not a choice to give or not to give for us but just which method. I have and am doing a lot of research but would love feedback from someone who chose oral vit K or even concidered oral vit K but chose the shot instead.TIA

Ireland05

Oral vit K is cleared relatively quickly from the body. It should be given in several doses over time if that is your choice. The IM injection allows a slow release and is more effective.

KatieB19

From what I researched, oral or injection are equal in effectiveness as long as they are administered properly.  And for oral, that means going back for a second (or third) dose after the initial one.  I didn't want to have to deal with all of that, so we did injection.  FWIW, I nursed DS while they gave it to him, and he didn't even flinch.

FancyFrenchie

Oral - and we went back when he was 6 days old and got the 2nd dose then.

tct1219

If you're going to get it, I would go with the oral dose. Obviously make sure they offer it first because many places only offer the injection. If they don't have it, I'd just sign a refusal and administer the oral doses myself (or if your pedi has it, do it that way).

ErinRC

I did the oral, and she got the 2nd dose at my 6wk check-up. I didn't see the point in having her poked at more than necessary.