1. *Do we need to complete a Conscientious Objector form if we intend on saying No to the Hep B vaccine at birth? Do I need to do this before the birth, or is it okay just to say "No" at the birth (and in our Birth Plan, etc)? Likewise, is saying No to the Vitamin K dose at birth considered a conscientious objection, or just a routine "No." Ie. Will the midwives at the hospital accept our decision or do we need a CO form for this?

When you book in at the hospital they will talk you through it and give you a few leaflets. You will also have to sign saying that you agree for your child to have the vaccination. I can't remember though if you could sign for a 'no' option but you wont need an actual CO form for it.

2. Do we need to complete a Conscientious Objector form if we intend to say no to some vaccines and yes to others?

It will probably be easier to do this so you don't have an issue with the ones you don't get.

3. (If yes to either of the above) Do both DH and I need to sign the CO form, and do we both need to attend an appointment with our GP to sign this form? (This isn't a problem, we'll be making a joint decision, but I just need to know whether DH needs to come to the appointment).

No, you don't both have to sign it. DH did not sign the one for DS2. I went to my GP and got one, but you can download it. Not sure if a MCHN can sign off on it (GP needs to sign too as well as the parents) So your DH wont need to go to the appt.

4. I've been reading about the Vitamin K injection/oral dose and am a bit conflicted...I'd be interested in hearing some personal stories about why others said yes or no to the Vitamin K dose at birth, and if the answer was yes, whether and why you chose the injection or the oral dose.

I think that the main reason for the oral dose is so that a newborn baby doesn't have to have a needle kwim? More of a gentle option. You can also choose to delay it for a few days too. You will need to check that your hospital/birthcentre even has the oral dose as some do not carry it in stock. My hospital did not have the oral dose.


5. If you said no to the Vitamin K dose, did you supplement your own diet in order that Baby received extra Vitamin K through your breastmilk?

6. And one more (for today)...am I alone in being a bit apprehensive about the Heel Test done on my baby (where the baby's heel is jabbed a few days after birth to test for rare genetic deformities). Have others refused this test, and why/why not?

I think the PKU test is helpful because if there is an issue with your baby not having the enzyme needed to use phenylalanine (an amino acid) they will require a special diet to prevent further health issues. If you don't have it done at birth, it can be done via a urine test if bubs is over 6wks. I do not know if that test would be as accurate as the blood test though.