I agree with you traveller that more education about the signs of infection in newborns should be offered. I am not saying that every woman in labour should have antibiotics either. I totally agree that everyone has the right to refuse or accept any treatment offered to them. I was just pointing out where the evidence behind this practice comes from and why it has been instituted so people can make an informed choice. I know there are studies currently underway to help determine which babies are more susceptible to infection which may help narrow the treatment group even further. I believe there has been a drastic overuse of antibiotics and that they can cause some problems. But sometimes they are necessary as well.

I am sorry that your little one developed sepsis. That must have been hard on you and your family and I hope everything turned out well.