21/11/2025
From my friend Rhonda:
“I keep seeing this viral post that is trying to shame parents into allowing the hospital to inject their newborn with the vitamin K shot
But what’s equally as bad is follow up posts that list inaccurate information to combat this viral post 😕
First of all, no one should be shaming anyone. Everyone should do their own due diligence and decide what is right for their own child. We are not all the same and our convictions are not the same
But here are some facts.
🧡 Yes, babies are born with low vitamin K at birth. The reason is because vitamin K does not cross the placenta efficiently. Newborn gut flora does not produce vitamin K yet. Even in mothers with excellent gut health, breast milk contains very low vitamin K
I saw someone comment that babies are meant to have lower levels so that ‘stem cells can move freely from the cord to their bodies in those early hours and days’. The sounds very intriguing, but I cannot find any research that supports that statement.
Many people are concerned about the black box warning
The vitamin K (phytonadione) black box warning refers to IV use, because rapid IV infusion can cause cardiac or respiratory collapse.
The newborn shot is IM (intramuscular), not IV. From my research, this warning does not apply to how newborns receive it.
If you are a nurse or a doctor, can you confirm this?

👉👉 I was happy to find out that different formulations exist:
• The standard preservative-free formulation for newborns eliminates benzyl alcohol specifically to avoid toxicity.
• Polysorbate 80 is present in very small amounts and has not been associated with harm at this dosage.
If parents want a version with minimal ingredients, there are preservative-free options.
I never gave my babies the vitamin K shot because I just don’t think there’s any reason for a healthy baby to receive this. I don’t think babies are born inherently broken 
*** Of course, consult your practitioner if there are any serious liver or gut damage
Please stop sharing inaccurate information in an effort to stop the fear mongering. One is as bad as the other. We have so many resources at our fingertips, so don’t just believe what you read without spending a few minutes to research for yourself. I would love for you to double-check anything that I have stated in this post! 🫶
Bottom line is that parents should absolutely feel empowered to ask questions and do what is right for their own family 🤗 “
