In a message dated 10/10/01 11:08:34 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<<  "Every infant should be given an
injection of vitamin K as soon as possible after birth" but then he goes on to
comment on how big a problem this is for breastfed infants.  Is this just
another example of how "Mother Nature forgot something essential but
fortunately for us all Mead Johnson has taken up the slack"?   >>

Several years ago, at a midwifery conference, 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".
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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