Rhea was discussing vitamin K this weekend at birth classes with my sister, as far as the studies go, apparently this is what has happened to date for those who don't know.

1. First study comes out linking injectable vitamin K to childhood leukemia
2. Second study comes out dismissing that
3. Third and recent study comes out saying that yes there is a risk of childhood leukemia, but it is the same risk as that for which the injection is trying to prevent haemorrhage

For those who have no bleeding disorders in the family, who plan on breastfeeding, and have had a healthy birth, you are best placed to consider not having vitamin K.

But for those who have bleeding disorders in the family, are not breastfeeding, or have had a traumatic birth for the baby where there were perhaps forceps or vacuum or baby is bruised might like to think about having it.

The choice is personal and up to parents to make and we are all trying to do the right thing for our children, so we just need to do the research and decide what we are most comfortable with and like I always say, weigh up if the risks will outweigh the benefits.

In my personal opinion only, I think it's yet another thing which is being done without the healthy aspect being taken into account and provision of balanced, detailed info being handed out before you have your baby. My Ob never discussed it with me and I had no idea what it was made out of either! If there are no risk factors, then why it is routine I don't know - just like third stage injection and antibiotics in labour... you would think it would be better for the mum and bub if they showed signs of these conditions relating to the preventative first. Anyway, just my opinion like I say and my kids did both have vitamin K via injection, but I knew nothing else at the time. There is too much pressure to conform and do the right thing, being a good parent, I think I just decided to conform (and didn't get the chance to research) in order to be seen as doing the right thing.