I would like to reply to Jennifer Tow
<I heard Michel Odent speak on
this matter. I don't remember every word, but the gist of it was exactly as
you say. If vit K is low in the neonate, it is meant to be low. He said the
low levels had something to do with the sealing of a heart valve and that
artificially inflating levels carried a risk. Sorry, but I have no idea
where
the notes are, so I am sounding a little inept on this topic, but I do
remember that he was quite convincing. Personally, I trust Nature more than
medicine and none of my children have ever been "stuck".>
There has been quite extensive literature and research into the use of
Vitamin K for newborn infants and unfortunately mother nature cannot always
be trusted. Especially  I would suggest as a good reference "Do Breastfed
infants need supplemental Vitamins" by Frank Greer and published in
Pediatric Clinics of North America in their special April 2001 edition on
the Managment of Breastfeeding.  He gives a very balanced discussion about
the need not to supplement most vitamins in breastfed infants.However
Vitamin D (in some circumstances) and Vitamin K are the exceptions.  The
exclusively breastfed infant (particularly) has limited sources of Vitamin
K.  "This is because a potential source of of vitamin K for neworn infants
is the synthesis of vitamin K by by the bacteria of the large
intestine;however, for exclusively breastfed infants with an intestinal
predominance of bifodobacteris that do not synthesize vitamin K, this source
is not likely". As vitamin K is essential for the formation of prothrombin
and other blood coagulation factors, infants are at significant risk of
haemorrhage if they don't receive it.  Early haemorrhage (from day 2 to 10)
is fairly easily treated with vitamin K.  Of greater concern is late
hemorrhagic disease, which is not benign and runs a high risk of death or
intra-ventricular haemorrhage.  If mothers do not wish their baby to have IM
injection then three doses of oral Vitamin K may be given (following birth,
7 days and 28 days).  Providing all 3 doses are given this is effective in
preventing haemorrhagic disease of the newborn.  The administration of
Vitamin K should not interfere with the skin to skin contact and initiation
of breastfeeding after birth.  It can still safely be given following the
first breast feed.
Marian Rigney RN

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