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Eye Ointment?

Dana&PeteDana&Pete member
in Natural Birth

This is one of the last items I need to finalize on my birth plan. I'd be interested to hear what everyone else plans to do. 

I have never had a history of these STDs, but the side effects of the ointment seem minimal so I'm wondering if I'd feel better just allowing it. At the same time, it seems unnecessary if there is not risk of infection. Can anyone recommend any good websites? 

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Re: Eye Ointment?

  • wagneram13wagneram13 member
    We did it with our first and he had  reaction to it. His face was red and puffy for a day or so. For this reason and b/c I know I dont have std's we opted not to do it for our 2nd child. Sorry I dont have any websites...just our experience. 
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  • FyreFlyeRushFyreFlyeRush member
    Here, it's state law. They will at the very least threaten you with Child Protective Services. I'm looking at a custody hearing once baby comes, so I'm not going to take chances with that being used against me. Catch 22. It looks like the eye goop is applied AFTER the mom and baby bonding time in the nursery. My main concern is issues with bonding, so I'll make sure they do delayed application.
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  • atcwagatcwag member
    I've been wondering about this too.  Is this ointment SOLELY for STD protection, or can it help with any other eye infection that may be transmitted through the birth canal?  I have never had a Hx of STDs, nor has my husband.  I know that the risk of infection is, hopefully, low; however you never know.  If, say, while checking the cervix an infection is transmitted (non STD obviously), would this eye goop help with that?
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  • redheadinloveredheadinlove member

    Most places that it's state law, the law is that they have to offer it. Not that you have to get it. They may make you sign a waiver if you deny it, but most of the time it's nothing more than that. 

    Just a thought on that. I don't have anything about the risks of it, sorry. But I am opting out.  

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  • annabelle.27annabelle.27 member
    We didn't get it.
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  • theladyjesstheladyjess member

    I knew I was STD free so I declined the ointment and the hosptial didn't give me any grief over it, even with meconium in my fluid.  I figured that if my LO showed signs of an infection we could do the ointment then, or I'd just use some colostrum/breast milk in her eyes (breast milk has antibacterial properites). 

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  • ABeautifulMindABeautifulMind member

    imageBreanneL24:
    My baby did not have it and we had a homebirth. He did not need it and pedi had absolutely no problem with him not getting it. In my opinion, I think it is best just to avoid all unnecessary interventions whether or not they have small or no side effects.


    We are having a HB too and not opted against the "goop" for the reason stated above.

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  • lily225lily225 member
    I dont have any websites but can share my thoughts. With our first we went with the flow of everything and did the ointment. After looking into it for our second we decided to skip it. DH and I our the only partners we've ever had and there is 0% chance of an STD. The unknown of whether it's uncomfortable or even painful for baby was enough for me to not do it.
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  • pc150805pc150805 member
    Both my husband and I are allergic to the ointment they use so we will be asking for them not to use it or to use something else.
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