Eye Ointment and Vitamin K shot at birth??

maple669 · January 2010

I was wondering what everyone is planning on doing for the eye ointment, vitamin k shot, and hepatitis b vaccine when the baby is born?

I am DEFINITELY against having the hepatitis vaccine at birth....i see NO reason for that vaccine SO early! But i am kinda on the fence with the eye ointment and vitamin k shot...

The argument FOR the vitamin k shot is that basically it helps with the baby' blood clotting...but since our baby is a girl and we don't have to worry about clotting due to circumcision...it does not seem necessary...plus they say the amount of vitamin k contained within the shot is at unhealthy high levels that could interfere with cell division and perhaps cause cancers...and the breastfeeding mother could just take vitamin k supplements after the birth at safer, lower doses...

The argument FOR the eye ointment (erythromycin ointment) is basically that the kid could go blind from bacteria in the air, birth canal, caretaker's hands etc etc...argument' against is that it is probably unnecessary for mother's without infections...and that it may interfere with baby-mother bonding.

LittleMamaB · January 2010

We will delay Hep B until 2 months because baby is at very low risk being that I am negative and I SAH with my kids.

We will do the others.

BabyLove987 · January 2010

We're doing all of it at birth. Hep. is required by my daycare. They can do the eye ointment while you are holding or feeding the baby, so it shouldn't interfere with bonding.

Lucky428 · January 2010

Check state law. In Oregon, it is the law that all infants get the vit K shot at birth.

Although I'm for it and would have made that decision myself, I'm angry that the state made it for me.

MrsRebecca · January 2010

We're not declining or delaying anything. At my hospital the only thing you can decline is Hep B.

Jennrs · January 2010

We're only getting the vitamin K shot if the baby is a boy.

We're delaying Hep B and passing on the eye ointment.

Jennrs · January 2010

BabyLove987:
We're doing all of it at birth. Hep. is required by my daycare. They can do the eye ointment while you are holding or feeding the baby, so it shouldn't interfere with bonding.

The eye ointment messes with the baby's vision, so some argue that's what interferes with the bonding.

Lucky428 · January 2010

Jennrs:
BabyLove987:
We're doing all of it at birth. Hep. is required by my daycare. They can do the eye ointment while you are holding or feeding the baby, so it shouldn't interfere with bonding.

The eye ointment messes with the baby's vision, so some argue that's what interferes with the bonding.

We got the eye ointment and we bonded perfectly despite a horrible c/s. We BF in recovery, snuggled, bonded as a family and fell madly in love. Besides, their eyes are closed so much anyway because they're so tired and sleep so much.

KristenBtobe · January 2010

We'll do it all. We did with our daughter as well.

jmrussell03 · January 2010

I have never heard of anyone denying the drops or Vit K. My hospital does not even offer Hep B at birth.

I don't see anything wrong with either one. Esp. the Vit K, regardless of boy or girl. Your baby's body has not produced the much need clotting factors and it could lead to complications.

Would it be possible for you to provide links to your research? Thanks!

fIowerchild · January 2010

We skipped the Hep B vax but got the ointment and Vit K. We'll do the same with this child.

Lola'sDogMom · January 2010

Our hospital requires the Vit K and eye ointment. I have not found any research that I thought would give me a reason not to do it anyways.

We are delaying Heb B as I just think it's not necessary right away. We'll do it 2 months.

blancanyc69 · January 2010

Doing it all, with the way things are now I don't want to take any chances. but that's just me.

MrsHK · January 2010

We skipped the Hep with DS and will again this time. We did opt for the vitamin K shot and will again as well. With DS we also skipped the eye ointment, saw no reason for it.

This time we're going to take the eye ointment. I've had BV and yeast infections and it can protect against those kind of infections, not just the STDs you have to be tested for. We'll likely delay it an hour or so though, because, yes it can cause blurry vision and hinder bonding and BFing. Even then it only needs to touch the eye for a moment. It can be applied and then wiped away just as quickly.

Texas77again · January 2010

its such a personal choice. we recommend for ppl to do their own research and if the birth was traumatic (forceps, vacuum..etc) then we advise the vit K. a lot of our clients choose not to do the eye ointment. no one does the hep B vaccine in our practice, but we are all natural as our the clients that come to us. if they want it, that's fine but they would need to go to their ped for that.

ernlei608 · January 2010

Delaying Hep B, both DH and I are vaccinated against it, I will be a SAHM. We will be getting eye ointment and Vitamin K shot. I'm GBS positive and am on antibiotics right now for an infection, even without those two things we would still do it.

sarahmae8 · January 2010

I found a good article. As far as what we will be doing, we will not be getting Hep B or eye ointment. We we will only get Vit K if he comes before 38 weeks.

https://thebabybond.com/VitaminKinjectORnot.html

jmrussell03 · January 2010

sarahmae8:

I found a good article. As far as what we will be doing, we will not be getting Hep B or eye ointment. We we will only get Vit K if he comes before 38 weeks.

https://thebabybond.com/VitaminKinjectORnot.html

Article says it is reprinted from a Chiropractic newsletter...I question the accuracy of that info. If it was from an OB or other peds speciality...

maple669 · January 2010

Here's one besides the babybond.com info on the vit k shot:

https://www.birthingnaturally.net/barp/vitk.html

and for the eye ointment:

https://atyourcervix.blogspot.com/2007/08/neonatal-erythromycin-ointment.html

Basically although these are mandated by the states, you STILL have the RIGHT to opt-out of these treatments for your baby....you'll just have to sign waiver forms etc.

and really...there is so much information out there!

jescgrl · January 2010

Delaying the Hep. shot because he is such low risk for it. as for the other two-we will probably do... Im believe its manditory @ our hospital....i'm not sure I havent really researched it. I remember with Gavin though that when I got to hold him in recovery he had gotten all that stuff already and just wanted to sleep. poor thing was tired!

Califlorida · January 2010

we'll get it all again.

having been through all of DD1's vaccines, i don't want to delay the hep b. imo, i'd prefer to get as many done when she's not aware of it, then delaying for when she realizes what's going on. ugh. the worst.

Texas77again · January 2010

jmrussell03:
sarahmae8:

I found a good article. As far as what we will be doing, we will not be getting Hep B or eye ointment. We we will only get Vit K if he comes before 38 weeks.

https://thebabybond.com/VitaminKinjectORnot.html

Article says it is reprinted from a Chiropractic newsletter...I question the accuracy of that info. If it was from an OB or other peds speciality...

why do you question the info coming from a chiropractor?

maple669 · January 2010

Here's a interesting comment from Dr. Bob Sears:

I am very concerned about the common procedures done to a baby immediately after birth here in Florida (neonatal eye care, Vitamin K, and Hepatitis . Can you recommend an alternative to the eye prophylaxis and to the Vitamin K injection? I have heard that there is a liquid Vitamin K. How much would the dosage be for my baby and me since I will breastfeed, and where can I buy it? I have been searching everywhere. Any thoughts on the Hepatitis B vaccine?

I agree we do too much to brand-new babies too soon. I like to first do nothing for an hour or two so parents and baby can bond. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics' official policy says that nothing should be done until after the first feeding. I don't like doing Hepatitis B shots in newborns. I do think Vitamin K shots are a good idea. I've had three patients suffer bleeding complications (with severe consequences) due to Vitamin K deficiency. I'm not sure whether or not oral Vitamin K is as effective. But if you want to try it, it's the same dose as the shot. I don't know where to tell you to get it, though. In regard to eye ointment, I say only if mom has gonorrhea.

https://mothering.com/vitamin-k-hep-b-newborns

sawyer2 · January 2010

I just want to say for those of you who say your not doing the eye omint. because you dont want their vision to be blurry, I hate to tell you that their vision is already blurry they cant see but about 6-12 in. in front on them.

This is why (unless baby has horrible horrible vision) they tell you to wait till the child is at least a year old for an eye apt.

Texas77again · January 2010

the eye ointment works to prevent blindness from gonorrhea, if you don't have it then baby doesn't need the ointment.

Texas77again · January 2010

ugh...the comp posted before i was finished.

i would recommend for ppl who don't want it to be checked for gonorrhea around 37 weeks and then you will know your status.

Ivana_Stolichnaya · January 2010

We had the ointment put in and the Vit. K shot, but still have not gotten the Hep. B shot. I asked the nurse about it and she (nervously and quietly) told me that she hated giving the shot to babies who were so young and small. She felt there was no real need for it since we weren't carriers and live in an area where Hep. B isn't too much of a problem. DD can always get it later on in life.

newlywed827 · January 2010

Are you sure it's the law? We were told that we have a choice on vitamin k....just curious, what hospital did you deliver at and who told you it was required?

thanks for your help!!

Lucky428 · January 2010

newlywed827:
Are you sure it's the law? We were told that we have a choice on vitamin k....just curious, what hospital did you deliver at and who told you it was required?
thanks for your help!!

I delivered at OHSU and we were told on numerous occasions that it is OR state law that all infants receive it. We were given a pamphlet on it.

jmrussell03 · January 2010

Texas77again:
jmrussell03:
sarahmae8:

I found a good article. As far as what we will be doing, we will not be getting Hep B or eye ointment. We we will only get Vit K if he comes before 38 weeks.

https://thebabybond.com/VitaminKinjectORnot.html

Article says it is reprinted from a Chiropractic newsletter...I question the accuracy of that info. If it was from an OB or other peds speciality...

why do you question the info coming from a chiropractor?

I haven't read the article or newsletter, but what would a chiropractor association have any interest in Vit K in newborns? It is related to liver, brain, and bleeding issues. If they give a reason for their interest, then maybe consider.

What I learned from taking many medical research classes is that sometimes a researcher can take research and "adjust" to fit their needs. Just cause a source says it is from a medical person does not make it legit. Alot of medical studies are not conducted perfectly.

I am interested in seeing real research on it though. I never second guessed either the drops or shot. I knew the rationale and it sounded completely acceptable to me. I do like to see both sides before making decisions.

The Hep B thing at birth is really crazy though. Does not sound neccassary at all. Unless it is new, my hospital does not do it at birth.

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