Has anyone declined vitamin k at birth for their baby?

[lou4791]

Hi Ladies,
I wonder if anyone can help me.
After lots of research myself and DH declined vitamin K for our baby at birth back in September. Our little one was born at home with no complications and neither of us have any medical problems. But sadly, 6 weeks later our baby suffered a brain haemorrage due to vitamin K deficiency disease. To cut a long, difficult and guilt- ridden story short, he has recovered, and although still under consultant care, seems to be developing normally. However, finding information about babies who have not been given vitamin K is very difficult.I have questioned consultants about the possibility of there being a link between my little one's problem and my previous recurrent miscarriages, or symptoms of obstetric cholestasis (blood tests showed no problem)in pregnancy, but even they have no clue as they have never come across another case in their careers.
Has anyone else declined vitamin k for their baby? If so, what was the outcome for you?

Lou x

Sorry, can't help - just wanted to bump the thread up again until someone comes along who can help.

Glad to hear your son is doing well now. Don't feel guilty, you did what you thought was best for him - what more can anyone do?

why did you decline the vit K in the first place?

How awful for you. I'm glad he is now doing well.

I declined I.M. vit K and asked for oral instead. We actually forgot to give her the second dose (H.V. administered the first). DD was fine, no problems at all.

Sorry to hear abour your DS

Yes we declined vit k. I did some reading and decided that we would not give vit K unless we had a traumatic labour (forceps etc) which could cause bleeding/injury.

DS is fine, no problems. (My labour was straightforward)

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your doctors should have been much more adamant in explaining why vit k should be given to your baby, whether oral or by injection. There is no way of knowing whether any internal damage has occured during birth so its vital that vit k is given. I considered not as I'd read a study that suggested some connection between vit k and cancer in babies but the study has been widely disapproved of by the medical profession and is quite old (10 years)now so science has moved on anyway. I was lucky enough to have medical family members who told me the risks. However, there is no connection between vit k and miscarriage so please try and bury the guilt that you are carrying around.

Sorry it's taken a while to reply on this thread.

We have had an update on our little one's condition which although not good news, does explain why he has had the problems that he has had.
He has been diagnosed with Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition, which can lead to liver and lung problems. As the liver has an important role in absorption of fat soluble vitamins ( including vitamin k) This is the reason why he had blood clotting problems in his early weeks. It's unlikely that having vitamin K at birth would have made any difference.

I always knew there was something underlying, but didn't know if we would ever find out what it was.

Thanks for everyones' comments and kind wishes.

Lou x

Ah, that's all so sad, Lou, you must have been killing yourself with guilt until now. I'm so glad that you now have an explanation.

Gosh that must be such a weight off your mind!

Lou:

I dont know hif you will see this but I also have Alpha1 and can recommend a foundation for support if you have not alrady found them and they can put you in touch with people in the similar situation.

www.alpha1awareness.org.uk/welcome.htm

health.groups.yahoo.com/group/alpha1uk/

This yahoo group Lou is fantastic support, my dad and sister are A1AD MZ carriers and my test is due to be done on thursday, we have annual meets and its really nice to get together with people who know what you're going through. Its a long road and these people make it easier to deal with.

Glad you finally have an answer to your little ones problems

Jen

Very sad to hear about your baby's condition. I'm glad that it looks like the Vit K was irrelevant, at least that removes that concern for you & your DH.

We declined Vit K at birth with no ill effects.