09/02/2023
https://www.facebook.com/100063472303757/posts/795305892595147/?mibextid=CDWPTG
"Although it might seem as if parents have a binary decision to make - that is, give vitamin K or do not give vitamin K - there are actually a range of actions that parents can take.
These include:
- decide to give IM vitamin K (which is usually given just after birth)
- decide to give oral vitamin K (which is usually given in a series of doses over a few weeks)
- decide to give IM or oral vitamin K but in a different time frame from what is usual
- decline vitamin K but seek alternative (non-pharmacological) measures to increase baby's vitamin K levels
- decline vitamin K but become informed about VKDB (vitamin K deficiency bleeding) and know what to watch out for and what to do if worried
- decline vitamin K and do nothing else."
This is an excerpt from my book, 'Vitamin K and the Newborn', which helps parents and birth workers navigate and understand the evidence and the issues relating to vitamin K.
With these kinds of interventions and preventative treatments, there aren't always easy answers.
We are often giving something to thousands of babies in order to prevent a rare but occasionally serious fatal problem.
And it's important to think about the effects in those who wouldn't have had the problem, as well as about whether there are other approaches.
But there are often more options than you think, so it's important to get informed so that you can make the decisions that are right for you and your baby.
For more information, see my book, Vitamin K and the Newborn, and our information hub: www.sarawickham.com/vk
