>I would like to know, what other hopitals, particularly outside the
>US and Canada, practices are with respect to administration of
>intramuscular vitamin K and antibiotic eye ointment or drops to the
>newborn.

Eye drops or ointment have never been given routinely in the UK, AFAIK, and
never prophylactically, again AFAIK. Eye conditions are dealt with by warm
water swabbing (like 'sticky eye'). I can't remember when I last heard of a
new baby being given antibiotic eye drops or ointment, though I suppose if
there was a frank infectious condition they would be given.

Vit K is pretty much routine, given either intramuscularly or as drops
(parental choice) in the days after birth or in the community.

Can't think of any reason why the Vit K needs to be given straight away,
apart from the cnvenience of the institution : )

Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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