oral vit k

[2CheekyMonkeys]

just wondering how they adminster the vitamin k if it is done orally? i remember trying to give my DD panadol when she was a baby (not just born obviously) and how she would gag and spit it up and then i wouldnt know whether she got the right dosage etc. so for those of you who have done vit k orally, was this a problem or not? i am thinking that the needle may be easier.

[Neenee Jellybeanie]

DD has vit K by the needle because it's much easier. The oral dose needs to be administered a number of times at certain times and from memory (which could be wrong so please don't quote me on it!) it's known to be less effective.

[Mumma2three]

I've been thinking about this too. Im so unsure what to do. I will be interested to hear others responses. maybe its' put in a syringe and down the back of the throat? ? xo

[Heaven]

[briggsy's girl]

had book in appointment at the hospital last week and this came up in discussion

apparently it's a series of four doses they have to give (will grab exact details from the car if you need - was giving a hand out) - they struggle to know that the correct dosage has been administered due to it being bitter tasting and babies spitting it out/gagging on it...

if you're discharged early, they have to find a way to follow up on the dosages too...

PM me if you want me to scan and email the actual doc i was given...

[Sair]

I think it is 3 or 4 doses.

Xavier had one the night of birth, I think another the next day and one the day after, my memory is a bit hazy on those last 2 days mentioned. I have to give him another dose at 4 weeks. It is apparently bitter but Xavier didn't have any reaction that made it seem that way and he never spat any out. The hospital midwife just did small amounts over a couple of minutes out of the syringe and the domicillery midwife gave him the whole shot at once and said that it is easier to give while they are feeding but I had already fed him just before.

Thinking about the doses now, I think he has only had 2 so birth day and day 3 so far.

ETA I have the leaflet out of the package here.

All healthy neonates
1mg (0.1mL) IM at birth is recommended (injection I presume)
Alternativly 2mg orally at birth, at the time of newborn screening (3-5 days of age) and at 4 weeks. For predominately formula fed neonates the last oral dose may be omitted.

So there you go, straight from the package