Vitamin K by Randall Neustaedter OMD, LAc

[Guest guest]

Here is part of an article I wrote about vitamin K.

Eye ointment is only

used to prevent sexually transmitted diseases transmitted to a newborn

during a vaginal delivery. If the mother knows she is free of these, then

the ointment is unnecessary.

Vitamin K

An injection of vitamin K (1.0 mg) is routinely administered to all

newborns to prevent unexpected bleeding caused by low levels of vitamin

K-dependent blood clotting factors. Vitamin K is present in green

vegetables, vegetable oils, and dairy products, but intake or

supplementation during pregnancy does not ensure prevention of vitamin K

deficiency in newborns.

The syndrome of vitamin K deficiency bleeding occurs in approximately 1 in

10,000 babies. Hemorrhagic disease that occurs from week 2-12 of life is the

most dangerous form. Half of these affected babies suffer sudden bleeding

into the brain, and 20 percent of affected babies die. Studies have shown

that a single injection or oral dose of vitamin K at birth results in

adequate coagulation status and vitamin K levels for up to three months

following birth.

Injected vitamin K ran into a problem when researchers in 1990 noted an

increased incidence of childhood cancer in children given vitamin K

injections at birth. Specifically, they found that injected vitamin K

doubled the incidence of leukemia in children less than ten years of age. A

subsequent study in 1992 revealed the same association between injected

vitamin K and cancer, but no such association with oral vitamin K. These

researchers recommended exclusive use of oral vitamin K.

Since vitamin K given within 12 hours of birth can reduce the risk of

vitamin K deficiency bleeding, it seems prudent to give an oral dose of 1-2

mg. Injections of vitamin K are painful and can cause bruising at the

injection site. There may also be an increased risk of cancer associated

with vitamin K injections.

Mothers should eat foods with high vitamin K content during pregnancy

(green vegetables and dairy products) because vitamin K is transferred to

the fetus across the placenta. Pregnant women can also take alfalfa tablets

during pregnancy, a good source of vitamin K.

It is also advisable to give 1-2 mg. of vitamin K to breastfed infants at

ages one to two weeks and at four weeks. Formulas are already supplemented

with vitamin K. Alternatively, nursing mothers can take a daily dose of

vitamin K during the first three months following birth. If nursing mothers

take a daily 5 mg. vitamin K supplement their babies' vitamin K status

improves through the first 12 weeks of life.

Although oral vitamin K is not licensed for use as a drug by the FDA, drops

for oral administration are available. Typically, one drop contains 2 mg. of

vitamin K. Contact a midwife in your area, or a birthing supply company

(such as birthwithlove.com), or Scientific Botanicals (206 527-5521) where

your health care provider can order liquid vitamin K directly.

Randall Neustaedter OMD, LAc

Classical Medicine Center

1779 Woodside Rd #201C

Redwood City, CA 94061

650 299-9170

Subscribe to Dr. Neustaedter's free email newsletter at www.cure-guide.com

email: randalln@...

Author of The Vaccine Guide, North Atlantic Books

Re: Where is the discussion/questions on

> On a side note, I couldn't help but notice another post that said no to

the

> Vitamin K shot and the eye ointment. What's up with those? Something I

> should know about?

>

>

> Well, I don't know where you live, but Vit. k isn't routine in every state

(it's used to prevent bleeding, baby doesn't produce his/her own clotting

factors right away). My sister works at a hospital in S. Carolina and they

don't routinely use vit. k. I lost all my links, but I think this one has

neonatal jaundice links and since both of my older sons were jaundice and

had vit. k and we don't have any bleeding disorders in either family, it's

just not neccessary in my opinion.

> Eye ointment is to treat sexually transmitted diseases. I didn't test

positive for anything at the beginning of this pregnancy, I haven't been

with anyone else in 6 years, so the liklihood of me having some disease is

nil ..... so why do it?

>

> As far as your breastfeeding goes ...... vit k is only provided in

breastmilk after the first week (if I remember right), and in colostrum if

you have eaten vit. k rich foods the last part of your pregnancy.

Breastfeeding is NOT something that just comes naturally. Id on't care what

anyone says. I successfullly nursed both boys, and it's hard work for about

the first 3 or 4 weeks. It's worth it, but it is work. The best thing to

do is make sure you have the name of a lactation consultant. I just

recently went to my first La Leche meeting. Even though I nursed both boys,

I wanted the support that comes with a support group. The ladies were

awesome.

>

> My biggest suggestion for this, is to nurse as often as the baby wants.

It's not a forever thing, they won't nurse every hour forever, you aren't

going to spoil the baby by nursing on demand. They eventually level out.

Only about 1% of people CAN'T breastfeed. The rest I think either really

don't want to do it, or just don't have the support to stick with it.

>

> feel free to email me off list if you get discouraged. I am a huge huge

breastfeeding advocate. Remember something else too. It can take up to a

week for your milk to actually come in. The more you nurse the more you

produce.

>

> Best Wishes

> & Liam (induction 4/2)

>

>

>