Oh, sh*t, has anyone else done this please? Quite important.

[FlosstyTheSnowman]

My babies third dose of vitamin K was due last Monday. Only just remembered today. Completely forgot as the local doctors won't let us register there untill our appointment with the nurse on Weds. I was told by the midwife that I would have to make an emergency appointment on the day. Thats why I forgot. Does anyone know what this means or if it is really terrible? Feeling like the worst mother in the world. Ever.

I don't know for sure, but am guessing that you can make it up. Keep bumping until one of the resident hv's/midwives come on

The doctors should be able to get you an appointment before then whether you are registered or not. Go into the doctors and explain to the receptionist - she should be able to ask the nurse for you or any of the midwives/hv's if there happens to be one there. They will be able to put your mind at rest.
hth! :)

don't really know anything about this, but think it has been known for parents to not permit vitamin k injections for the same sort of reasons as they would refuse vaccinations, and nothing untoward has happened, so wouldn't think a teeny delay would cause a probably. hope you can sort it all out soon.

have googled and found a bit of general info about vitamin K on the radical midwifery website, which you might find useful:-

www.radmid.demon.co.uk/vitk.htm

Thanks for the response. I feel SOOO crap. Can't believe I forgot. So annoyed that I have had to wait 4 and a half weeks to get registered at the GP's (we only just moved before baby, can't get to old one as only temporarily registered). The receptionist told us we could only see the doctors before registration if it was a 'real, real emergency' which I know is rubbish but still puts you off. Would of phoned had I actually had a brain in my head though.

Honey, I left my memory in the labour ward in Enfield about 12 years ago. Don't fret it!

lol so does it never come back then Mars????? There's no hope for me then!!!!!!

What never comes back Zephyr? lol

flossy why not give nhs direct a call? They will be able to tell you if it's ok to give it late.I'm sure it will be anyway, but they will be able to tell you.

flossy why not give nhs direct a call? They will be able to tell you if it's ok to give it late.I'm sure it will be anyway, but they will be able to tell you.the number is 0845 46 47

memory lol mine is dreadful since having these two

Think I'll ring the midwife tomorrow rather than go to GP's, embarrassing but think she will most probably know more about it than the GP!! Thanks for the article MTS, it says that babies are most at risk in the first 3 days, so some reassurance there. LOL at leaving memory behind, Mars!!

Hi there,

I used to be a midwife. Vitamin K is given because there is apparently little in the breastmilk (so if you're bottle feeding then your baby doesn't need it). Vitamin K is an essential component in blood clotting and there have been rare incidences of babies developing a rare disorder where there is bleeding in the brain. However, apparently giving Vit K has virtually eradicated this.
First thing to say is don't worry if you've missed this dose - there is no real consensus of opinion on when each dose should be given and different parts of the country do different things (mad I know).
Most give three doses by mouth, however, one local maternity unit issues 4 doses!!!???
Also if your baby was born vaginally, at term and is otherwise well then the chances of him/her developing this rare bleeding thingie become even rarer.
Don't feel the worst Mum in the world - you're human and coping with a new baby is tiring - we all forget things at times. Don't worry -your little one won't have come to any harm.
Lastly, if what you have is a little capsule thing why not snip off the top and give it yourself - you won't be doing anything wrong by doing so - or just ring and tell your GP that's what you're going to do. He/she might be grateful as they then don't need to make an appointment.

HTH

Mandy

Should have added that if you're bottlefeeding your baby gets extra Vit K via the formula - hence no need for any other dose.

Hi Amanda, DS was born at 37+6, normal delivery. I am breastfeeding. I don't have the final dose to give him, otherwise I a) probably wouldn't of forgotten, b) would have already given it as am a nurse myself so should know better! Thanks for all your help.

my sprog got one oral dose in hospital after an elective CS with vacuum - he had an enormous haematoma on his head. I had no idea he needed more!

How bizarre - why would you have 3 vit K injections?? I've never heard of that!

Like Highlander & Gobbildigoose DS born Sep 2002 had one dose in hospital, was not aware he needed any more! Had all the noraml follow up appointments and injections but no one ever mention Vitamin K after 1st dose at birth?

snap, dd just had the one dose in hospital, did she need more?

I think that if you have the vit K injection it's just one dose, but if baby has oral vit K then it's 3 doses

DD just had the one dose at birth too as far as i can remember.
I asked for oral as was worried about the injection. I always thought it was only for the first few days anyway that they were worried about the blood and it was an immediate birth issue.
I am due soon so will follow this thread to see!

I must be the worst mom in the world because I didn't give 2 of my babies any Vitamin K supplements at all (and I am not formula feeding).

From everything I read, colostrum is rich in Vitamin K. I was confident the babies had plenty of colostrum from me. And the births were very smooth for the babies -- no ventouse/forceps or anything to suggest their little heads had had any trauma.

I did mean to give it to DD orally, but it was a homebirth & the chemist c*cked up the prescription. Couldn't be asked with DS.