Would I like my baby to have vitamin K?
We recommend that all babies are given vitamin K when they are born. Vitamin K helps blood to clot and, as adults, is absorbed through the food we eat. At birth, babies are naturally deficient which can increase their risk of a condition called Haemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn (HDN). This is rare but can cause very serious internal bleeding and bruising for your baby. Giving them a dose of vitamin K at birth helps to prevent this from developing.
Vitamin K can be given as a one-off injection into your baby’s thigh as part of their newborn check. This is the most effective way for it to be absorbed. You can also give vitamin K as oral drops onto your baby’s tongue; however, the absorption is less effective so your baby should be given 3 separate doses in the first month of life.
If you choose to decline vitamin K for your baby, you will be offered a conversation with a Paediatrician to discuss this further.
