Desert Storks

Vitamin K for Newborn Babies

Vitamin K helps blood to clot. It is essential to prevent serious bleeding. Babies do not get enough vitamin K from their mothers during pregnancy, or when they are breast feeding. Without vitamin K, they are at risk of getting a rare disorder called Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding, or VKDB. It can cause bleeding into the brain, and may result in brain damage or even death. VKDB can be prevented by giving new babies extra vitamin K. By the age of about six months, they have built up their own supply.

The easiest and most reliable way to give babies vitamin K is by injection. One injection just after birth will protect a baby for many months. Since about 1980, most newborn babies in Australia have been given a vitamin K injection. Vitamin K can also be given by mouth. Several oral doses are essential to give enough protection, because vitamin K is not absorbed as well when it is given by mouth and the effect does not last as long. If you choose vitamin K by mouth, your baby must have three doses: Dose 1 at birth Dose 2 usually three to five days later, and Dose 3 in the fourth week. If your baby vomits within one hour of swallowing the vitamin K, the baby will need to have another dose.

All babies need to have vitamin K. Very small or premature babies may need smaller doses - your doctor can advise you about this. Vitamin K by mouth is not suitable for some babies:

•Babies who are premature or sick should be given the vitamin by injection. There are two main reasons for this: the very small dose needed is difficult to measure by mouth, and these babiesare also more likely to have feeding difficulties.
•If you choose vitamin K by mouth but your baby is unwell when a dose is due, the baby may need to have the injection instead.
•If, while you were pregnant, you took medication for epilepsy, blood clots or tuberculosis, you should tell your doctor or midwife. Your baby may not be able to absorb vitamin K by mouth, and may need the injection instead.

Over the 20 years vitamin K has been given to new babies in Australia, it seems to have caused no problems.
This is your choice. However, giving vitamin K to your newborn baby is a simple way of preventing a very serious disease. Medical authorities in Australia strongly recommend that all babies be given vitamin K.  Parents who decide against vitamin K need to watch very carefully for any symptoms of VKDB.

You should always see your doctor:
•if your baby has any unexplained bleeding or bruising. This is particularly important if your baby has not had vitamin K.
•if, when your baby is over three weeks old, there are any signs of jaundice (yellow colouring of the skin or whites of the eyes). Babies with liver problems are particularly at risk, even if they have had vitamin K.

During your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife should ask whether you want your baby to have vitamin K by injection or by mouth, and they will arrange to provide it. Soon after birth, your baby will have a vitamin K injection or the first dose by mouth. This will be given by a doctor or midwife.
If you have chosen vitamin K by mouth:
•The second oral dose can be given when your baby has the newborn screening test in the hospital, or by your local doctor.
•You need to remember the important third oral dose when your baby is between 3 and 4 weeks old. Talk to your doctor or health care worker if you need help or advice. Make sure that your baby’s vitamin K doses are recorded in the baby’s personal health record.