STMs question about eye drops

zonagirlie · October 2012

We were discussing on the Jan 13 board about the eye drops and such done right after birth. Several girls said they would refuse, but then I got this in an email today about what happens after birth.
"A nurse will put antibiotic ointment or drops in your baby's eyes soon after birth. This may be postponed up to an hour so you have a chance to breastfeed. The ointment or eyedrops are required by law in the United States to help prevent eye infections, some of which can cause blindness. These infections are caused by a variety of bacteria that your baby could have been exposed to just before or during birth, including gonorrhea and chlamydia."
I knew what the drops were for and was trying to explain to the other ladies what the drops were for not just preventing STDs but so many said they would refuse them. Are they required by law? What was your experience?

g8trkim · October 2012

I'm not sure what this big issue is with the eye drops. From what I've seen on the boards, it seems like people who refuse them are the same people who are weird about vaccinations and things. IRL I don't know anyone who has refused it and they've never had problems.

minervacullen · October 2012

g8trkim:
I'm not sure what this big issue is with the eye drops. From what I've seen on the boards, it seems like people who refuse them are the same people who are weird about vaccinations and things. IRL I don't know anyone who has refused it and they've never had problems.

this

Bambina54 · October 2012

I inquired about skipping them because my first had a reaction. I know I don't have STDs so there is no point in using them this time. If I would have been more informed the first time, I would have skipped them then.

You have to check your state laws to see if it is required.

zonagirlie · October 2012

It's not just STDs, ladies. I feel like people are getting hung up on that. I actually have scar tissue on my left cornea eventually will cause blindness due to an infection the optometrist believes was contracted at birth. My mother gave birth due to an emergency so it wasn't done. Waiting/omitting won't help as the infant is at risk from the birth canal on forward whether you have an STD or not, that's only part of the concern. My optometrist said it could've very likely been muconium or maternal fecal matter or a nurse with a dirty glove b/c of either or an undetected maternal infection.
Don't assume because the word chlamydia is in there that's all it's about. Do your research. Talk with your OB. PLEASE.

Todd&Laura · October 2012

My son had them after birth. It didn't impact the timing of our breastfeeding at all.

Bambina54 · October 2012

I have talked to my OB and done research.

According to the 2005 Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy, the ophthalmic ointment is indicated for use in all newborns for the prevention of a bacterial eye infection known as ophthalmia neonatorum due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis.

The most common side effects involve irritation to the surface of the eye (conjunctivitis) or the eyelids (blepharitis), which is characterized by redness, itching, tearing and light sensitivity. Contamination of the ointment in the tube can occur from contact with unwashed hands or from contact with any part of the eye. This can result in a secondary bacterial infection and requires medical attention.

No thanks.

ridesbuttons · October 2012

I see zero downside to having the drops administered.

NicoleWI · October 2012

You know, I never even knew when they did the drops or what was happening, and it was fine. Isn't there vitamin K or something, too, that's critical? I must have still been getting stitched up or whatever but it was a total non-issue--never even knew there was anything to debate.

PeonyPumps · October 2012

We postponed for at least an hour or two before DS had them. I wanted him to be able to see me right after birth, which he did, with his big, wide open, beautiful eyes. I had no problem with them being done, but wanted them held for him to at least be able to experience seeing me and my husband before the medical staff started doing anything to him or giving him anything.

Although, I'm also one of those crunchy mamas

drpayne · October 2012

Some people really just don't want to do things that aren't necessary. The STDs really are the main concern. I honestly think they throw in the stuff about "other bacterial infections" just so more people agree to them. For what it's worth, I'm an eye doctor and we decline them.

drpayne · October 2012

ridesbuttons:
I see zero downside to having the drops administered.

Read the post right above yours. She lists several.

AppleJacks81 · October 2012

g8trkim:

I'm not sure what this big issue is with the eye drops. From what I've seen on the boards, it seems like people who refuse them are the same people who are weird about vaccinations and things. IRL I don't know anyone who has refused it and they've never had problems.

My thoughts exactly.

Bambina54 · October 2012

AppleJacks81:
g8trkim:

I'm not sure what this big issue is with the eye drops. From what I've seen on the boards, it seems like people who refuse them are the same people who are weird about vaccinations and things. IRL I don't know anyone who has refused it and they've never had problems.

My thoughts exactly.

Nice snap judgement. I don't refuse or alter the vaccine schedule, btw. A more accurate assumption may have been "it seems like the people who refuse them are the same people who question the purpose and efficacy of procedures and then make decisions based on information provided."

bearkatjen · October 2012

PeonyPumps:
We postponed for at least an hour or two before DS had them. I wanted him to be able to see me right after birth, which he did, with his big, wide open, beautiful eyes. I had no problem with them being done, but wanted them held for him to at least be able to experience seeing me and my husband before the medical staff started doing anything to him or giving him anything.
Although, I'm also one of those crunchy mamas

This. It's nice for the baby to see you for the first hour while you nurse. I think it's pretty common to delay until you after you nurse the first time these days. Nobody questioned me about it, when I gave my preference at the hospital.

The only vaccine I have ever delayed, is the Hep B shot by a few days, and I've never declined a vaccine.

AppleJacks81 · October 2012

Bambina54:
AppleJacks81:
g8trkim:

I'm not sure what this big issue is with the eye drops. From what I've seen on the boards, it seems like people who refuse them are the same people who are weird about vaccinations and things. IRL I don't know anyone who has refused it and they've never had problems.

My thoughts exactly.

Nice snap judgement.  I don't refuse or alter the vaccine schedule, btw.  A more accurate assumption may have been "it seems like the people who refuse them are the same people who question the purpose and efficacy of procedures and then make decisions based on information provided."

No, you're right. You have every right to question procedures. I guess its the part of me that works in a hospital that makes me not worry as much. It's a day to day process for me to see babies have these procedures done, while for others it is new and can be overwhelming wondering what and why things are happening. It's good to make informed decisions based on reliable sources, but there are people out there who like to proclaim they aren't going to do something to retain just a bit more control over a scary situation.

LaurelBee · October 2012

Bambina54:
AppleJacks81:
g8trkim:

I'm not sure what this big issue is with the eye drops. From what I've seen on the boards, it seems like people who refuse them are the same people who are weird about vaccinations and things. IRL I don't know anyone who has refused it and they've never had problems.

My thoughts exactly.

Nice snap judgement. I don't refuse or alter the vaccine schedule, btw. A more accurate assumption may have been "it seems like the people who refuse them are the same people who question the purpose and efficacy of procedures and then make decisions based on information provided."

Seriously. I could just as easily say "moms who agree to the eye drops don't do enough research or ask enough questions to protect themselves and their children." But I wouldn't bc I don't make snap judgements about others moms' decisions.

Stop the judgements already. This LO will not have eye drops administered bc we are planning a HB. Any "germs" my LO comes into contact with are the natural occurring ones in our home. We are all immune to them.

choppinbroccoli22 · October 2012

I am someone who researches everything, too, and I have pressed my midwives repeatedly about this for both pregnancies. They still feel it's a good thing to do regardless of the STD status. I asked one of them point-blank if it was because the parents couldn't be trusted to be faithful to one another, and she squirmed at this but did say that there were possibly other infections to ward off.

DD had hers, and she looked pretty unhappy about it, but then she was pretty unhappy with everything about life at the time. She got over it quickly, and I didn't notice any lasting effects. She was asleep a lot. We'll do it for DS.

doremi29 · October 2012

We were told at our birthing class for DS, that in NY state, it's not illegal but if you choose to forgo the eye ointment or vit K injection for your nb, the hospital is required by NY state law to inform CPS who can then do an in-home visit if they feel it necessary to verify your parental competency.

I have no idea how accurate that is (I can't remember if it was actually a printed document we received from the hospital or part of the info our teacher gave us), but we weren't about to open ourselves up to a CPS visit!

Eaky77 · October 2012

You might also want to talk to the dr about them. I asked him about skipping them, and he told me that the hospital will NOT allow me to skip them. Hospital policy.

bearkatjen · October 2012

I'd also like to add that parents who choose to delay eye drops for an hour or two, aren't going against the medical community.

This federal website emphasizes the importance of bonding with your baby immediately after birth, including allowing the baby to stare at your face. The site also mentions that the eye drops can sting the baby's eyes and blur their vision, so parents may want to consider delaying until they have had a chance to nurse and bond with their baby right after birth.

https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-beyond/baby-first-hours.cfm

mick64 · October 2012

Eaky77:
You might also want to talk to the dr about them. I asked him about skipping them, and he told me that the hospital will NOT allow me to skip them. Hospital policy.

Hospital policy can't require you to consent to any medical procedure for yourself or your child. You can certainly choose to follow policy, but if you choose not to they can't make you do anything other than sign a form saying you understand you're choosing "Against Medical Advice."

We skipped them with DS and the pediatritian (at an academic medical center with high level NICU) had absolutely no problems with it. I'm generally against prophylactic antibiotics as they definitely contribute to the production of super bugs, and I feel that obstructing baby's vision right after birth can interfere with bonding. My midwife's office always tests for STD's during pregnancy anyway, so although I am confident that my DH and I are monogamous, there's also the test backing up that neither STD is an issue for me. Other sources of eye infections at birth are rare and can be treated if contracted. Eye infections would generally not be asymptomatic, so you would realize if baby had something.

Also, we have not skipped in vaccines and DS has received all on schedule except Hep B, and that was given 2 weeks after birth. It's a parent's personal choice, no judgement necessary.

JodiAriel · October 2012

Eaky77:
You might also want to talk to the dr about them. I asked him about skipping them, and he told me that the hospital will NOT allow me to skip them. Hospital policy.

Hospital policy or not you can refuse them. All you have to say is "I do not consent" and they can't do anything without your permission. They will make you sign a waiver.

I am not doing them. I have been tested for STDs during my pregnancy, my husband and I are monogamous. The "other bacteria" that they talk about is low level bacteria that live every where on our bodies, door knobs, nurses gloves, our skin, etc. I work in ophthalmology and even the docs I work with refuse it for their children. It is unnecessary unless you have an STD. Not to mention Erythromycin is a potential allergen and why do I want to expose my perfectly healthy newborn to potential allergen for no reason?

Bethbsn06 · October 2012

PeonyPumps:
We postponed for at least an hour or two before DS had them. I wanted him to be able to see me right after birth, which he did, with his big, wide open, beautiful eyes. I had no problem with them being done, but wanted them held for him to at least be able to experience seeing me and my husband before the medical staff started doing anything to him or giving him anything.

I intended for it to be delayed, but some nurse left the baby thermometer under the heating lights and my baby was immediately taken from me due to a "high fever". My husband followed and two min later in the nursery all was fine and the nurse attending the nursery said that such and such nurse always does that. I was pissed. ...okay, I'm done now.

mrsodonnell12 · October 2012

drpayne:
Some people really just don't want to do things that aren't necessary. The STDs really are the main concern. I honestly think they throw in the stuff about "other bacterial infections" just so more people agree to them. For what it's worth, I'm an eye doctor and we decline them.

HAHA!!!!! I love this!!!!

mrsodonnell12 · October 2012

Bambina54:

I have talked to my OB and done research.

According to the 2005 Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy, the ophthalmic ointment is indicated for use in all newborns for the prevention of a bacterial eye infection known as ophthalmia neonatorum due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis.

The most common side effects involve irritation to the surface of the eye (conjunctivitis) or the eyelids (blepharitis), which is characterized by redness, itching, tearing and light sensitivity. Contamination of the ointment in the tube can occur from contact with unwashed hands or from contact with any part of the eye. This can result in a secondary bacterial infection and requires medical attention.

No thanks.

Uh yep- this is done to prevent infections from 2 kinds of STDs. There is no proof that it prevents anything else from "other bacteria." We are declining since there is absolutely no point. I am probably the most "normal" mom out there... I am not one of the "weird moms that have issues with vaccinatons" I just dont think that our children are cattle and should be treated as such. If you are making an informed decision and go with the eye drops- that is wonderful for you. But I think its really silly to be calling other moms weird for doing what they feel is best for their LO.

mrsodonnell12 · October 2012

As for state laws... the laws are for the hospital. THey are required to do certain newborn procedures. Parents have the right to refuse these procedures by signing a consent form.

akating · October 2012

zonagirlie:
It's not just STDs, ladies. I feel like people are getting hung up on that. I actually have scar tissue on my left cornea eventually will cause blindness due to an infection the optometrist believes was contracted at birth. My mother gave birth due to an emergency so it wasn't done. Waiting/omitting won't help as the infant is at risk from the birth canal on forward whether you have an STD or not, that's only part of the concern. My optometrist said it could've very likely been muconium or maternal fecal matter or a nurse with a dirty glove b/c of either or an undetected maternal infection. Don't assume because the word chlamydia is in there that's all it's about. Do your research. Talk with your OB. PLEASE.

Have you ever been tested for clamidia or gonorrhea of the eye? Is there 100% proof that the infection that you supposedly have was caused during birth? Do you have documentation that you never had the eye goop given to you at birth? It could be possible that you had a reaction to the stuff. You don't know what caused it and to jump on everyone else because something MAYBE happened. The women who are refusing the eye drops HAVE done their research. We are making an educated decision.

breast milk is a natural antibiotic btw and will kill infections like pink eye. I have sprayed my son in the face/eye with my milk more times than I can count. I will just rely on that for now. Instead of giving my kids an antibiotic which can cause irritation and other problems for something that is not a concern.

PeonyPumps · October 2012

akating:
breast milk is a natural antibiotic btw and will kill infections like pink eye. I have sprayed my son in the face/eye with my milk more times than I can count. I will just rely on that for now. Instead of giving my kids an antibiotic which can cause irritation and other problems for something that is not a concern.

Thank you for the laugh in this rather serious post I've definitely sprayed my kiddo in the eyes or on the skin a few times to clear something up, so I know where you're coming from!

ShawMich · October 2012

There is no reason to refuse them. I breastfed all of my children after child birth...why would the drops cause a problem?

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