Mainely Perinatal Education LLC

03/30/2026

03/30/2026

That first quiet moment after birthing, everyone has left, and it is just you and your precious baby. What did you think about? How did you feel?

Let's hear it and inspire parents-to-be!

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03/27/2026

US doctors are sounding the alarm that an increasing number are declining vit K at birth.

As doulas, we don't give medical advice, we share evidence-based info.

Vitamin K shot has been recommended since 1961 in the US. Vit K impacts the body's ability to properly clot and prevent bleeding.

Why? Vit K is a fat soluble vitamin humans do not produce and don't store well. Older infants can maintain vit k through diet.

Newborns have low levels as it doesn't transfer well from the pregnant person to the baby.

Human milk also doesn't have high levels of Vit K.

Most infants' blood will clot even with naturally low levels, but some babies will not. We aren't sure which until bleeding occurs.

Why is vit k given to babies? In the 1930s, a Dutch scientist discovered vit k deficiency caused Haemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn (HDN), now named Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) as it can occur after the newborn period.

Since 1961, we have over 60 years of data showing the vit k shot reduces the risk of VKDB. There is also data showing oral vit K reduces the risk, however, it has not shown to be as effective as the shot.

What is the risk of VKDB? The overall risk is low. However, once it occurs it can be life altering and even fatal. Classic VKDB is more common but often less severe. Late VKDB can be severe.

Among infants who do not receive the vit k shot: Risk of classic VKDB (first week of life), depending on the source is 0.25% to 1.5% of newborns (250 to 1,500 out of 100,000) or 0 to 0.44% (0 to 440 out of 100,000)

For late VKDB, no vit k: 4.4 to 7.2 infants out of 100,000 will develop late VKDB

One dose oral vit k at birth: 2.6 infants out of 100,000 will develop late VKDB

Oral vit k at least 3 doses in infancy: 0 to 0.9 infants out of 100,000 will develop late VKDB

Vit K shot at birth, anywhere from 0 to 0.4 infants per 100,000 get late VKDB. The shot doesn’t prevent every case of late VKDB, but most countries report incidence rates of zero or close to zero.

So, should your baby get vit k?

Research shows it reduces the risk of VKDB.

Parents should look at the evidence, chat with providers, and make informed decisions.

03/27/2026

03/27/2026

03/27/2026

Show your commitment to providing respectful maternity care for every patient, every interaction, every time. Explore our available shirts and merchandise that highlight this important commitment. https://bit.ly/44ElIhb

03/27/2026

serves as an important opportunity for our community and health care providers to raise awareness about this rare and life-threatening obstetric emergency. Join us in making a difference in spreading awareness and saving lives.

03/27/2026

Labor induction has risen across demographic groups and gestational age categories during the past decade, an analysis of National Vital Statistics System data found.
https://www.medpagetoday.com/obgyn/pregnancy/120486

03/27/2026

03/27/2026

http://www.naturalbreastfeeding.com/ Janine shows how she and her 2-week-old Timothy get into a hands-free Natural Breastfeeding position in a wing chair. No...

03/27/2026

03/27/2026

Join us in welcoming Affinity Care of Maine to the Bangor Region Chamber!

At Affinity Health Management, they believe that every person deserves dignity and compassion when faced with a life-limiting illness. The unique combination of hospice and residential services that they offer allow for a seamless transition for your loved ones as their needs shift and change. Their professionally trained staff are there to help you and your family navigate the many care and service options available. At Affinity, every patient is viewed as a unique individual and is given an individualized plan to provide them with the maximum level of care and comfort. All of the hospice team members are professional and compassionate, and guarantee that each patient is treated with the respect and love they deserve.

Learn more: https://affinityhealthmanagement.com