Giving a second IM dose of Vitamin K is NOT the standard of care per the AAP,
and per Dr. Frank Greer who just spoke with me at the AAP Spring Meeting.
The problem is that a prominent pediatrician who edits the newsletter
"Pediatric Notes" made the statement in one issue.  Even though this was
challenged by the experts, and eventually recinded, some peds still do it.
They mean well.
The problem is that the only infants who get hemorrhagic disease of the
newborn (brain hemorrhage, usually) are breastfed infants.  The Vit K content
in the milk is dependent on Mom's diet, so full vegans are at the highest
risk.  The IM injection at birth prevents the problem.  If parents refuse IM
Vit K, the baby should get 2 mg po at birth and q 1 month X 2-3.
Almost no Vit K is transmitted via the placenta. No-one understands why
nature would allow this to happen to a fully breastfed infant. Any ideas
Kathy?
Nancy Wight MD

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html