| Vitamin K is routinely
administered to newborns by intramuscular injection shortly
after birth. The theory behind this is that the
newborn has a naturally low level of Vitamin K. Since
Vitamin K is responsible for clotting, it has become routine
to administer a shot to boost the newborn's ability to clot.
This practice is not without controversy. If newborn's
needed a 'normal' level of vitamin K, would every newborn be
born with a 'low' level? Are there benefits to this
'low' level? What are the risks associated with
altering the normal physiology of the newborn?
Colostrum is rich in Vitamin K. Babies who are
breastfed obtain immediate protection from their mother's
colostrum. Below
are links to information regarding the routine
administration of Vitamin K.
This is the most recent
information regarding Vitamin K injection of the newborn.
http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/newborn-vitamin-k.html
AAP's 2003
position paper on Vitamin K
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;112/1/191
Women's Health Information Vitamin K for Newborns
Routine administration of vitamin K to newborns
To Inject or Not
Vitamin K for
Newborns |