Vitamin k - yes or no?

[RuthPJ14]

I'm due to give birth and I'm still undecided about giving my consent for the vit k shot or drops. I've read up on it and it seems there aren't many downsides of giving it yet if baby is at any risk, it seems sensible. I just don't like to go down the 'just in case' route if there's no need.

Added to that, I will exclusively formula feed my baby (no choice - I've had double mastectomy) and all articles I've found only mention higher risks of VKDB if breast feeding. For obvious reasons (promoting breast feeding), there is no detail on whether formula fed babies really need it. Any views?

I don't see why you wouldn't do it. What's wrong with "just in case"?

All my DCs had it 'just incase' and they ended up being ff as I can't produce enough milk and they dropped weight and weren't regaining

I'd rather the DCs had vitK and not need it than not have it and need it. They didn't seem bothered about the injection unlike the 5 day heel prick test which they screamed about.

No one wants a sick baby. Just do it like nearly every other person.

both mine had the vitamin k injection - both ended up formula fed

My dhul is a pharmacist. He researched it and concluded it was only needed by injection if there is intervention in the birth or some complication. Dc1 and dc3 had it, dc2 had the oral drops (but if oral wasn't available in or hospital we wouldn't have given the injection in her case)

I chose injection as it was done once and that was it over with, whereas with the drops there was more room for error and doses being missed

Chances are your baby won't get VKBD (1/10000) and everyone who chooses to give it gives it 'just in case' as no one knows who may develop it or not. There are risk factors (preterm, difficult delivery) and you are right formula does have it in. If you are going to give it to 'be on the safe side' then you may as well have it via injection-you know it's in and no further doses needed; no question of absorption like the oral and no one to forget repeat doses.
Aims do a very good leaflet on it. If I were in your position OP, I would give it if difficult delivery but if normal I wouldn't bother-unless you're going to be worrying about it then just give it x

I also read about the FF thing - it's because very high amounts of vit k are included in formula where as BM just has a natural amount.

My baby is BF so I wanted it. If you are concerned about your baby receiving unnecessary injections on day 0 but want peace of mind then why don't you go with the drops option? That's what I did. The drops smelt yucky but DS didn't seem to mind at all!

They do contain smaller amounts than the injection - I don't recall the actual figure - but both are very high multiples of the RDA anyway so your baby will be protected either way, as long as you don't forget the top up doses if you get the drops.

I've no idea why anyone would not have it. The injection is a once off, quick and easy, and prevents the vast, vast majority of cases of VKBD. The drops are fine but a bit more of a faff and top ups can be forgotten.

My dd didn't feel it at all! I think the idea of an "injection" is quite an emotive one for many people (the exact same chemicals are going in as drops or in formula milk). But honestly after being squeezed out through a vaginally so the plates of your skull overlap a little pin pick is neither here nor there to baby!

Thanks everyone for your feedback - I think the litmus test is would I ever forgive myself if anything went wrong after declining it, knowing it could have been easily prevented...so I think I have my answer. Like anything as a new mum, I guess you have to follow your instinct. Thanks everyone xx

I wasn't even asked when DS was born. They just injected it him! Was told later that they gave it to him.

Pregnant with dc2 (due date end of next week) and will be giving birth in a different hospital. But I guess I will let them give it to dc2 too..