weighing baby
measuring baby
newborn physical assessment
APGAR scores
breastfeeding support
erythromycin for the baby's eyes
oral vitamin K
injection of vit K
HGB screening (for anemia)
glucose screening
assistance with birth certificate application
gestational age scoring
What needs to be done elsewhere?
PKU testing is available at pediatrician's office or the health department
Hearing testing is done by referral from the pediatrician
Circumcision is done by a pediatrician (optional)
What should we choose for our baby? Vit K injection, oral dose only, or none?
Before the midwife leaves, a shot of Vit K is given with parental consent. Parents have the right to refuse, but must sign a waiver indicating that the risks of not giving Vit K are fully understood.
Pro: Injection of vit K prevents a newborn from bleeding in the brain and intestines. Con: There is a possible link between vit K injection and childhood leukemia, but it has not been determined.
Con: The shot is mildly painful for the baby.
Risks: Not receiving Vit K injection runs the risk of a bleed in the newborn's brain, a bleed in their intestines (which manifests as bloody stools), and bleeding in the lungs. All can result in disability or death.
If injection is refused, the breastfed infant can be supplemented with several low oral doses of liquid vitamin K (200 micrograms per week for 5 weeks, totaling 1 milligram). If injection was given, the infant does not require oral supplementation of vitamin K.
In addition to dosing the infant orally, the nursing mother can take oral vitamin K supplements 1 mg to 2.5 mg per day for 10 weeks. (Supplementation of the pregnant mother does not alter fetal levels, but supplementation of the nursing mother does increase breast milk and infant levels.) If injection was given, the mother does not need supplementation of vit K.
If both oral doses and injection are refused, a breastfeeding mother can eat foods high in vit K in order to increase the vit K given to the newborn via her breastmilk.
Foods with vit K
Highest content of vit K: Green leafy vegetables, spinach, celery, broccoli, cabbage, spring onions and mustard greens
Moderate amount of Vitamin K:
red cabbage, avocados, dill pickles, cucumbers, peas and plums
Lower amounts of vit K:
tomatoes, blueberries, apricots, navy beans, peaches
How do we store breast milk?
*Fresh breast milk is stored differently than thawed breast milk*
Fresh breast milk can be stored:
***At room temperature for up to 10 hours! Room Temp= 66-72 degrees F
***Cooler & Ice packs 59 degrees F for 24 hours
***In a refrigerator 32-39 degrees F for up to eight days
***In freezer compartment (side-by-side or top freezer) 0 degrees F for 3 months
***In a separate deep freeze for up to six months or longer. 0 degrees F
Thawed breast milk can be stored:
1 hour at room temperature
1 hour in cooler & ice packs
24 hours in refrigerator
Do NOT refreeze