Can anyone enlighten me - what are the pros and cons of the Vit K injection. What is the alternative. (Need proof for son in law or at least a good argument!)

I read a few years ago that they weren't giving the injection in the U.K. That the oral solution was better, except it needs to be given in three doses. Are they giving the injection again?

I remember the study that linked the vit'K shot to leukemia was done in Birmingham, around 1995.

Problem is no other country has been able to duplicate the results.

I can tell you that after every babe of mine got the vit-K the nurse would say, "look at that blood clot, she didn't even need that shot." And I have known many homebirthed babes who did just fine without it.

Have the mother eat a diet rich in vit-K (can't remember where it comes from at the moment) And make sure the baby is breastfed. (No bottles or pacifiers for the first six weeks!!!) Everything should be fine.

[This message has been edited by mamma3 (edited 13 July 2000).]

Yes, they do still give vit K injections to newborns in the UK.

I did not want my son given this medication and asked for the oral form. This was 3 years ago.

It was given orally, and they did seem a little put out by my request. I think anything which involves people having to think about going back for another dose is frowned upon.

If for no other reason for your son, the oral form does not involve using a needle and causing the baby distress.

The oral form is given in 3 doses. You have to make sure they know you want the oral form in advance, so your daughter in law will need to make her midwife aware of this now.

I agree with mamma3, get her to eat a diet rich in vit K. but the medics seem to be very sceptical of our ablity to nourish ourselves , don't they (suppose there is no money in that for the drug companies).

Janyce

[This message has been edited by janyce (edited 13 July 2000).]

I can't remember what Vit K comes from either. So its to do with clotting you say?

I too had heard that given Vit K by injection was linked to leukemia and for a while all injections of vit K in the UK were stopped and it was given orally - now they are back to giving it by injection (but I was told of this risk at my ante-natal appointments) - I asked for it to be given orally and hospital were fine about this, when I had my second child midwife gave first does orally and gave me the rest to give to my GP to give the baby at his six week checkup. He just stared at me and said "well what I am supposed to do with this, what is it" - I didn't bother giving the rest of it. Would bother at all if I had another baby.

Its from meat, and you find it in one type of beans too, they who lack it, is first of all lycopodium patients, second, arnika, phosp.
if damage from vit k, i use arnika, or phos.
I dont like it, cause it may give brainhaemhoorage in small children.

Well said!!!!!!

Great input thanks. Winning so far - the son in law is listening (I printed some of the replies out) The local midwife is sitting on the fence. My daughter is having soups with Wakame in them. She is vegitarian so can't get the Vit k from meat as GM suggested.
You're so cautious with the first child aren't you - i remember a health visitor in Wandsworth, London telling me on my first visit to the health centre "If you don't give that child meat she'll be mentally defective" I never went near that health centre again and took up homeopathy a year later!