Vitamin K

As part of your birth plan you may want to include your thoughts around this topic. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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 Vitamin K is one of the main clotting factors in blood, and a newborn baby’s level is much lower than adults. The injection increases the level of Vitamin K in the baby. The concern is haemorrhage, particularly brain haemorrhage. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 The injection is administered into the baby’s leg muscle after being born. Usually after the ‘golden hour’. It can also be offered orally (day 0,7,28). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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 New research shows that the mode of birth has no relation to the need of Vitamin K to the baby. Previous research suggested that babies born without ventouse, forceps or Caesarian had less of a need for Vitamin K. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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 The need for Vitamin K is if the baby (1 in 1,000) is born with a metabolic condition. Therefore giving the injection is the right thing to do. The impact of giving the injection to babies who do not have this metabolic condition K is not known. It is not fully understood if the baby would get enough Vitamin K from the mother’s colostrum. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 It is best to be informed in advance. Speak to your midwife and incorporate into your birth plan. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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