Vaccines, Hep b and eye drops at birth

AMarie101

Are you having your baby get these or opt out?  The eye drops are for gonorrhea and chlamydia, which ob would have checked us for via pap smear, right?  So if negative we don't need eye drops.

I am leaning towards opt out of both but want to hear opinions please!  

KateLouise

I'm in NZ. The only routine shot at birth is Vitamin K, but obviously you can opt out. I personally opt for the vitamin K.

We don't routinely do eye drops or hep b here, only if Mum is at risk of those things. 

CNYBride05

I'm glad you asked this and am curious to see people's responses.  I'm really on the fence. 

Dani428

Opting out of both absolutely. There's absolutely no real reason I have found that proves why the Hep B vaccine needs to be given right after our little ones join the world. It can certainly wait.  I'm opting out of the eye drops simply because there's no risk of passing along any STDs to my little one.  Can't they just come into this world in peace 

skio

We're getting it all but delaying them by an hour or two and having the nurse do it while baby is breastfeeding.

I never found much that made me feel strongly about not getting any of them. So, delaying it is.

merc5411

While gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common causes of serious infection in newborns, they are not the only bacterial infections that can cause eye problems in newborns.  Since it is a simple thing to do, I will be having my son get the antibiotic.  I would be devastated if he had a problem because I refused something so simple.  It causes blurry vision for a short time, but the consequences of an infection could last a lifetime.

I'm also going to have him get the vitamin K shot.  I'm a RN and I've seen babies have serious trouble with clotting.  It's rare, but it happens.  I'm also going to have him get the hep B.  It may not provide complete protection, but it will protect him a little.  In my mind, these are simple things to do to help protect the child I spent the last 40 weeks doing everything for.

ASmallWonder

Personally, I'm not willing to put my kid's health (namely eyesight) at risk just because I believe VERY strongly that I'm not at risk for an STD.  Unless I was tested in the last week before birth, I just can't deny the fact that things can happen that one would never fathom and I'd rather be safe than sorry.

mommatotwo2

merc5411:

While gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common causes of serious infection in newborns, they are not the only bacterial infections that can cause eye problems in newborns.  Since it is a simple thing to do, I will be having my son get the antibiotic.  I would be devastated if he had a problem because I refused something so simple.  It causes blurry vision for a short time, but the consequences of an infection could last a lifetime.

I'm also going to have him get the vitamin K shot.  I'm a RN and I've seen babies have serious trouble with clotting.  It's rare, but it happens.  I'm also going to have him get the hep B.  It may not provide complete protection, but it will protect him a little.  In my mind, these are simple things to do to help protect the child I spent the last 40 weeks doing everything for.

All of this.

mommatotwo2

elmoali:

Personally, I'm not willing to put my kid's health (namely eyesight) at risk just because I believe VERY strongly that I'm not at risk for an STD.  Unless I was tested in the last week before birth, I just can't deny the fact that things can happen that one would never fathom and I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I was going to say this, but figured it might not go over well. But since you were brave enough, I'll piggyback. Nobody wants to believe it could happen to them, but the fact is- things happen that we'd never want to think about and it's just not worth the risk. No downside to me. 

mrs.JL

I will be opting out of the eye drops and vaccine but will be giving Vitamin K in two oral doses instead of the needle. Less traumatic for baby. My MW has stated if we are worried about an eye infection to put a drop of breast milk in each eye after cleaning with sterile water. Breast milk has white blood cells and healthy bacteria.

PrimRoseMama

merc5411:

While gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common causes of serious infection in newborns, they are not the only bacterial infections that can cause eye problems in newborns.  Since it is a simple thing to do, I will be having my son get the antibiotic.  I would be devastated if he had a problem because I refused something so simple.  It causes blurry vision for a short time, but the consequences of an infection could last a lifetime.

I'm also going to have him get the vitamin K shot.  I'm a RN and I've seen babies have serious trouble with clotting.  It's rare, but it happens.  I'm also going to have him get the hep B.  It may not provide complete protection, but it will protect him a little.  In my mind, these are simple things to do to help protect the child I spent the last 40 weeks doing everything for.

Yep agree 100 percent with this. We get everything. Better safe than sorry.  

Dani428

mrs.JL:

I will be opting out of the eye drops and vaccine but will be giving Vitamin K in two oral doses instead of the needle. Less traumatic for baby. My MW has stated if we are worried about an eye infection to put a drop of breast milk in each eye after cleaning with sterile water. Breast milk has white blood cells and healthy bacteria.

Very interesting!

nikip6454

Dani428:

mrs.JL:

I will be opting out of the eye drops and vaccine but will be giving Vitamin K in two oral doses instead of the needle. Less traumatic for baby. My MW has stated if we are worried about an eye infection to put a drop of breast milk in each eye after cleaning with sterile water. Breast milk has white blood cells and healthy bacteria.

Very interesting!

This is interesting but I wonder how well it works since my breastmilk, as well as most women's, didn't come in for a few days after birth.

jayro10

At my childbirth class, we were told that it is state law to give eye drops. Vitamin k and hep b are optional. I had never heard about the eye drops being required by law, but it may be worth looking into.

ASmallWonder

mommatotwo2:

elmoali:

Personally, I'm not willing to put my kid's health (namely eyesight) at risk just because I believe VERY strongly that I'm not at risk for an STD.  Unless I was tested in the last week before birth, I just can't deny the fact that things can happen that one would never fathom and I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I was going to say this, but figured it might not go over well. But since you were brave enough, I'll piggyback. Nobody wants to believe it could happen to them, but the fact is- things happen that we'd never want to think about and it's just not worth the risk. No downside to me. 

My stance when it comes to my kids is that the only person I can trust 100% is myself because shitt happens.  If someone asked me to risk a million dollars on whether or not my husband might cheat on me, I'd risk the million and say no way, I know he's faithful.  But I just can't take chances with my kids' health and my DH knows it.  Even though my decision means I'm saying he could be a cheater, he understands my reasoning on principle even though he knows himself and knows it's not possible lol 

provwife

Dani428:

Opting out of both absolutely. There's absolutely no real reason I have found that proves why the Hep B vaccine needs to be given right after our little ones join the world. It can certainly wait.nbsp; I'm opting out of the eye drops simply because there's no risk of passing along any STDs to my little one.nbsp; Can't they just come into this world in peacenbsp; [:]

All this for me too. The only reason they do hep B at birth is because it is the only one they can safely give that early.It is completely pointless for a newborn to have this unless the mother has it.

merc5411

provwife:

Dani428:

Opting out of both absolutely. There's absolutely no real reason I have found that proves why the Hep B vaccine needs to be given right after our little ones join the world. It can certainly wait.nbsp; I'm opting out of the eye drops simply because there's no risk of passing along any STDs to my little one.nbsp; Can't they just come into this world in peacenbsp; [:]

All this for me too. The only reason they do hep B at birth is because it is the only one they can safely give that early.It is completely pointless for a newborn to have this unless the mother has it.

 While the risk of a infant contracting hep b is low, there is still a risk, even if the mother is negative.  Over a million people have Hep B and a majority don't know they have it (according to recent information).  I know I don't have it, but I don't know if my parents, ILs, or close friend have it.  I'd rather my baby have a little protection in case something were to happen.

rissa06

Yes to vitK and eye drops and no to the hebB. We will give him hebB later.

headgear03

We have three kids already this will be our fourth and we have opted out of all three each time . I did my research and know this is what's best for our family . We also delay vaccinations and I don't get the same routine tests most other pregnant ladies get during my pregnancy . I suggest researching a bit farther and figure out what your comfortable with .

belle2112

We're getting it all done.

BlueJewelM

Did it all with DS. Will be doing it all again for this one as well. Since we are circing the vitamin k is pretty important to me.

Personally, I follow my chosen pediatricians schedule for vaccines and I'm very comfortable with her recommendations. And despite extremely low risk for the diseases, I want to be safe rather than sorry.

Can you talk to the pediatrician you will be using about it now? Ours was happy to answer any questions like that beforehand and encouraged us to have and share our plans for vaccines with them prior to childbirth.

Sea Conquest

No to hepatitis B at birth. No need for it. We delay it. No for the eye drops. No STD's. We will get the vitamin K if I have another long labor. Otherwise, we will not. We do not circumcise, which would be another reason to get it.

thegoodpotato

They only do Vit K and eye drops in Canada, and I can't see a reason why you wouldn't do either.  The baby gets blurry vision for a while, but honestly, how well can a newborn see anyway?  And I couldn't imagine anything wrong with vitamins.  Baby is likely so overwhelmed with sensory input it's not going to notice a tiny injection.

I've never heard of Hep B at birth, but then again, we don't do an adult pertussis vaccine during pregnancy, either, so I was a little surprised at that.  I couldn't provide an opinion on that one....

[Deleted User]

merc5411:

While gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common causes of serious infection in newborns, they are not the only bacterial infections that can cause eye problems in newborns.nbsp; Since it is a simple thing to do, I will be having my son get the antibiotic.nbsp; I would be devastated if he had a problem because I refused something so simple.nbsp; It causes blurry vision for a short time, but the consequences of an infection could last a lifetime.I'm also going to have him get the vitamin K shot.nbsp; I'm a RN and I've seen babies have serious trouble with clotting.nbsp; It's rare, but it happens.nbsp; I'm also going to have him get the hep B.nbsp; It may not provide complete protection, but it will protect him a little.nbsp; In my mind, these are simple things to do to help protect the child I spent the last 40 weeks doing everything for.

I'm also an RN and I agree with this

A37licia

KateLouise:

I'm in NZ. The only routine shot at birth is Vitamin K, but obviously you can opt out. I personally opt for the vitamin K.

We don't routinely do eye drops or hep b here, only if Mum is at risk of those things. 

That's the position I have; I like how NZ does it!

kathleen02

We'll do Vit K but not the Hep B. We didn't do the eye drops last time either. Not sure we really need to but we may decide at the time of birth.

A37licia

headgear03:

We have three kids already this will be our fourth and we have opted out of all three each time . I did my research and know this is what's best for our family . We also delay vaccinations and I don't get the same routine tests most other pregnant ladies get during my pregnancy . I suggest researching a bit farther and figure out what your comfortable with .

Already posted but saw this comment and wanted to add that we're pretty much the same (though we're only on our third ) and did our research as well. My second born did need the injection but I think we'll do the K drops this time. I had no problems declining everything with my firstborn in the hospital in PA.

t loves r

jayro10:

At my childbirth class, we were told that it is state law to give eye drops. Vitamin k and hep b are optional. I had never heard about the eye drops being required by law, but it may be worth looking into.

We were also told it is State Law to have the eye drops. I didn't look into it because we plan on doing it a few hours after birth anyway, but the RN said they cannot release any baby that hasn't had the eye ointment.

Dani428

somerandomchick:

Dani428:

Opting out of both absolutely. There's absolutely no real reason I have found that proves why the Hep B vaccine needs to be given right after our little ones join the world. It can certainly wait.nbsp; I'm opting out of the eye drops simply because there's no risk of passing along any STDs to my little one.nbsp; Can't they just come into this world in peacenbsp; [:]

There's the tiny risk that your husband has caught an STD and passed it to you since your test. Obviously you don't think that's likely or you wouldn't be married to him... I trust my husband, but I think its stupid to turn down a simple and safe medical procedure that could prevent your child from going blind.

I think you have to consider the negatives of eye drops and the negatives of not getting them. While the chance of you having gonorrhea are very small, the consequences if you do are severe enough that taking basic preventative care just makes sense.

And the reason to get hep b vaccine right after birth is that its safe, and while the risk of your baby getting exposed to Hep B is pretty small, its a non zero risk. One that I've heard is if your infant requires medical care requiring a blood transfusion, that introduces a risk of Hep B exposure. And won't you feel like an idiot if you turned down basic, safe and easy preventative care for your child and they DO get hep b?

It's worse to not get this stuff done if you do need it than it is to get it fine when you don't actually need it.

Throwing out that I'd feel like an idiot was uncalled for but I'll ignore that part. I actually have done a lot of research on the pros and cons of each...so while my answer was short my decision was not. I research everything in length and while thats your opinion...it's not mine...and thats fine... no reason to respond so judgmentally. And for the record I said that I'd not do hep B AT BIRTH...everyone has the option to delay until a future drs appointment which many people decide to do.

MrsSteSte

We're doing all of them, although delayed an hour or so. The reasoning for eye drops and vit K have been covered by a few PPs.

My job is high risk exposure for Hep B, and I don't retain immunity from the vaccine - so although I currently have some, there's no telling how long it'll last (I've had the series repeatedly). Therefore, I want the babe to have as much immunity as possible before I go back to work in the event that I'm exposed and no longer have immunity. I'd certainly hate for ME to cause an exposure. 

AMarie101

Thx everyone.  I have decided to do eye drops but delay them a while and also get vit k.

laurakaz13

Why would anyone opt out of procedures that could protect the health of their children if there is no harm in providing them? I'm baffled by this. 

Dani428

laurakaz13:

Why would anyone opt out of procedures that could protect the health of their children if there is no harm in providing them? I'm baffled by this.nbsp;

The question is if there is no harm...and there are studies which show there could be. Each vaccination is different but we've done a lot of research so far and not everything offered is risk free. It's just a personal choice and I totally understand both sides.

provwife

https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/skipthatnewbornvitaminkshot/

this is an interesting article i found during my research...

provwife

https://www.rxlist.com/recombivaxdrug.htm

and this. I really do not want all that in my newborn.

AlexisLA

I asked my MW about getting Vit K drops for baby and she said that is an option so I am pursuing a prescription for that. I just don't want any injections into my newborn's blood stream that may contain things like harmful preservatives and can also be quite traumatic physically and emotionally to someone so new to the world. Since I don't have Hep B and am not sending my baby to daycare anytime soon we are not getting that either. I am in the process of retesting for gonorrea and chlymidia and if those are both negative I plan to skip the eye drops as well.

These treatments are not risk free. I am weighting the risks on both sides and doing what I believe is best.

Dani428

AlexisLA:

I asked my MW about getting Vit K drops for baby and she said that is an option so I am pursuing a prescription for that. I just don't want any injections into my newborn's blood stream that may contain things like harmful preservatives and can also be quite traumatic physically and emotionally to someone so new to the world. Since I don't have Hep B and am not sending my baby to daycare anytime soon we are not getting that either. I am in the process of retesting for gonorrea and chlymidia and if those are both negative I plan to skip the eye drops as well.

These treatments are not risk free. I am weighting the risks on both sides and doing what I believe is best.

I'm with ya.

jane.says

We do Vit K and erythromycin a few hours after birth (that's just what my hospital does, I don't make a special request) and Hep B at the 2 week pedi visit.

AMarie101

Dani428:

laurakaz13:

Why would anyone opt out of procedures that could protect the health of their children if there is no harm in providing them? I'm baffled by this.nbsp;

The question is if there is no harm...and there are studies which show there could be. Each vaccination is different but we've done a lot of research so far and not everything offered is risk free. It's just a personal choice and I totally understand both sides.

exactly. 

AMarie101

provwife:

https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/skipthatnewbornvitaminkshot/ this is an interesting article i found during my research...

 

link wont work? 

provwife

AMarie101:

provwife:

https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/skipthatnewbornvitaminkshot/ this is an interesting article i found during my research...

 

link wont work? 

 Sorry! I don't know how that happened 

 here:

 https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/skip-that-newborn-vitamin-k-shot/