Vitamin K shot is injected to almost all babies within hours of birth to support newborn’s blood clotting abilities in order to prevent a very rare, but dangerous vitamin K deficiency bleeding — VKDB
➜ Newborn babies are born with low levels of vitamin K. Their natural prothrombin (clotting factor) reach normal levels between days 5 and 7, peaking around day 8 – this is related to the buildup of bacteria in the digestive tract to produce vitamin K.
➜ Colostrum and breast milk contain small amounts of natural vitamin K, while formula has relatively high levels of vitamin K1.
➜ There are oral vitamin K regimens that have been shown to be as effective as vitamin K shots.
➜ Trusting your instincts and choosing providers who offer evidence-based information and reverence for you as the ultimate authority in what is best for your baby is essential to a respectful postpartum experience.