newborn procedures

Has anyone refused newborn procedures at the hospital, and if so how did you go about doing this? Do I need everything in writing before the birth, and how do I make sure my wishes are respected?

I do want the PKU/newborn screening, otherwise I think we are going to refuse the vit k shot, the first bath, the eye ointment, and hep b. I want to get this all worked out before I'm in labor so I dont have to deal with it then.

Also, what about vaccinations? I will get my baby vaccinated, but I don't like the schedule they have for these, and don't want them all at the same time. Has anybody gone 'against the system' with these, and how did that work for you? How did you work with your pediatrician?

i don't have a kid but do work in the health care industry. 1st thing you must do is find a pediatrician who supports what you do and by doing this you may need a natropathic (spelling?) pediatrician.....Secondly, your going to have to be your babies advocate...so if you don't want the Vitamin K shot or whatever other shot, make sure someone is there around the clock with the babe to make sure your wishes are respected....I have been in the room with parents who have went against medical advice about vaccinations and hep b shots, it can be a very quiet unsupportive room but you just have to stick to your guns and make sure you question question questions, it's your baby, it's your money---and sadly you can't expect people, even if they are taking care of you and your baby to remember what you said, so make sure you are always asking: whats that your doing? whats that shot? what are the affects? etc...it's your right....ok hope I was a little helpful.....

I think I'd find a midwife and do a home birth just to make sure your baby doesn't get these tests if you are so much against them.

I don't understand not wanting the PKU test its just a blood test  is it the fact that they have to prick their feet to get the blood?  sorry reread your post saying your doing that one

My kids are all adults now but I had midwives deliver them both in a hospital.  I had to have a pediatrician sign a paper saying that the newborn can leave after 6 hours if no complications from birth .  This had to be done before delivery.  So find your ped now and get it done - get the ped to sign off on your "orders" for whatever things you don't want done to that baby while your not in the room.

Good luck to you.

Also call the hospital you are delivering at and ask them what their rules are.  Like I said I had to have all discharge "orders" drawn up and signed by the pediatrician before delivery and it was in my chart.

I had a birth plan stating my wishes to not have shots, eye drops or anything given to my baby at the hospital or at all. I gave it to my midwife at 36 weeks. I did allow the screening. The screening mearly takes a prick of blood to test for certain things and does not put anything into the baby. I also allowed the first bath to be given by them. I opted for my own shower during this time. LOL! I needed a moment. They waited though until after I fed her and spent about 2 hours with her.

I would be happy to send you a copy of my birth plan if youd like. My midwife supplied me with it and my pediatrician is cool with my choices. Make sure you have a copy with you as well as admission time. Sometimes things get hectic. I was lucky to be in a hospital where everything is done in the room and the communication is great between midwife and staff.

I really appreciate all 3 responses, they are very helpful. I think I know what I'm up against, and just hope I am fully prepared to deal with it.

I just finished writing a birth plan and have included my wishes about newborn procedures. Susan, I would like to see your birth plan but I have never used the private message thing on this before, so I don't really know how to do that.

We are going to get the PKU test and other screenings because we feel that the benefits outweigh the risk. (Yeah I wish the baby didn't have to be poked with a needle, but the usefulness of these tests outweigh that small discomfort IMO).

Booster - Thank you so much for your take on this, it is helpful to see it from the other side -- invaluable info.

Just out of curiosity, why are you refusing those things? No judgment, I just don't know anything about this.

There is no reason not to get your baby vaccinated. They not only protect your baby, but other children also. For example, a reoccurance of measles happened last year of about 131 cases. Most of these cases happened because parents were against vaccinations. Those children gave it to other children who weren't vaccinated.

You not only put your baby at risk, but other children. I understand if you don't want other stuff, but please dont skimp on vaccinations. The reason we don't have these diseases is because of vaccinations.

In Yugoslavia, when you refuse to vaccinate your child, they used to actually kidnap them, vaccinate, and return your child. This is how important vaccinations are to a

I don't want to sound rude, but please read. Read before posting things insinuating that I am not going to vaccinate my child. I said I WILL VACCINATE MY BABY, I just don't like the way it's currently done, and would like SOME of the vaccinations a little later then they currently do them.

The vitamin K shot and they eye ointment are not vaccinations. The vitamin K shot is given to all newborns in the rare occurrence that the baby has a hemorrhage, but there are also studies showing this shot can cause cancer. The occurrence of the hemorrhage is 1.8 in a 100,000 births, and the baby's levels of vit k will rise to adult levels just 8 days after birth.

The eye ointment is given to protect against eye infections in newborns born to mothers with gonnerhea or chlamydia, but is given to ALL newborns whether the mother has these diseases or not. It does cause eye irritation and blurs the baby's vision for a few days. As for the hep b vaccination, I will refuse this for my newborn because this disease is a blood disease that either I would have to give to my newborn, or he or she would get through sexual transmition or needle transmition. My child can get this vaccination when he/she is older, there is no need to do it when the baby is only a few hours old.

Everyone has a choice, and I agree with you newveggie: The sad thing is your going to face a lot of criticism like this but I say all the more to you for being an Informed Parent instead of just going along with what the society or doctors tell you: bravo to you!

Well, I did read what you said, but children are 50% less likely to clear of hep b than are adults. Children that come in contact with it through blood or body fluids, including saliva or mucous, will be stuck with the disease. This is why it's given earlier in life. 

The eye ointment is given not only against gonorrhea or chlamydia, but against all infections. You might have a vaginal infection you weren't aware of that could get into your babies eyes. Your baby's immune system is not strong enough to fight these infections easily as you or I might. Plus, hospitals are just germy places anyways. No matter how clean, they are still full of bacteria. It's where sick people come. You may come in healthy and leave sick.

The Vitamin K shot is given in case your baby needs surgery, god forbid. Baby's blood doesn't clot well and vitamin k improves this so the baby doesn't bleed to death. It's a vitamin. It's not like it is some harmful chemical. You can get this in oral form, if you ask.

Sorry, but these things aren't meant for conformity. They are meant to improve chances of survival. If you could do something to make sure your baby has the best tools to not only survival, but thrive, wouldn't you give it to them?

Not to offend you, but people just don't know. They refuse things they don't think they need and assume doctors just want them to conform to society. They don't know why things are given the way they are. These things aren't done for **** and giggles, but to ensure your baby has the best chance of survival.

Sure, your baby might not need surgery and it's all about risk. What if you do refuse something and it ends up being the reason your baby is sick or possibly dies? Refusing things YOU don't think your baby needs is not being an informed parent. Things are more complicated than you think.

I'm not trying to say you are completely wrong. You have the right to be an informed parent, but don't refuse things when you don't completely understand them. Get both sides and decide what you think is best for you and your baby after you get all the facts.

Melika- You did research, I assume, and have come to the conclusion that vaccinations and other supplements are important and vital to the baby's health. Where your research came from: Dateline, doctors (who are pushed by pharmeceutical companies to offer new vaccines and drugs daily), Hollywood or good old fashioned research...goes a long way in how your opinions are formed. Each person should weigh the risks as well as possible benefits when making the choice to vaccinate or not. I myself choose not to vaccinate. I have researched thoroughly and spoken with both my pediatrician (who has practiced 30+ years) as well as my midwife. I find that not only do I find more potential harm in vaccinations than implied good, but I also have religious and moral conflict with many of the vaccination origins.

As for the mention of the MMR issue and recent hightened number of cases, it's just as easy to say an MMR strand did not "take" as it is to say it's due to a refusal. I myself was re-given the shot years ago because I was originally dosed with a batch that was not effective when I was younger. Amazing how it took them like 15 years to figure that one out. The news and AMA issued the statement that the outbreak was due to refusal and we as American's tend to put far too much faith in the news and medicine.

I'm not saying you are wrong for wanting vaccinations or that anything will happen to a child that recieved them. Each is entitled to their own views and desicions. I just say do enough research to the pros and cons before you decide and use more resources than the medical association and the news. Many orginizations for Autism, SIDs and other potentially vaccination related issues do their own independent research and have startling results that are just as convincing as their counter claims. The medical field makes a big stink over a measles outbreak and immediately blame public irresponsibility, but when Autism and SID's are on the rise every day they refuse to put stock in the fact that modern medicine could be the cause. Just sounds like they don't want to admit a possible flaw.

Anywho, not arguing with anyone here... I just wanted to state another view since things were swinging one way. It's good to hear and understand where both sides are coming from. Thanks to all who responded. It's interesting to see people's views both ways and how they come to their desicions.

Oh question for melika, Do you have children or work in the medial field? I like to read people's bio so I can better see who they are when they post. Sometimes I see where they are coming from by their background. You are very young, so I wasn't sure if you had kids. You seem to have a strong opinion on this subject which is good. I just wondered where the passion came from...ie. kids, profession, etc.

I'm an immunology and a microbiology student, but not that it's important. I did do my  research. That's how you gain information. No, my info didn't come for dateline or doctors, but Iowa State University, where I'm getting my degree.

Drug companies hardly profit from vaccinations. They are only given once, as opposed to antibiotics given twice a day for ten days. Antibiotics and long term drugs is how they make their money. Sorry, but you just don't know. 

The reason you didn't get any of the diseases MMR protects is because of herd immunity. Over 95% of the population is vaccinated- to protect people like you. When parents don't vaccinate, they expose diseases to others. Not even gonna get into the autism thing.

Honestly, I'm not even going to bother going into this because you aren't going to understand it anyways. Take an immunology course and maybe you'll learn a few things about the way things really work. That's how you can become an informed parent. You're just ignorant and you're trying to understand things you just don't fully understand. I'm not going to try to convince you the docs aren't out to get ya! quick hide your baby, it might get vaccinated!

Well, thanks for your reply. I was not intending to question your methods of research or be rude; you however have done exactly that to me. I can read that you have determined yourself to be an expert and I should be ashamed to question your opinion.  You are absolutely correct that I don't begin to understand the teachings of microbiology or immunology. I do however know that I thoroughly researched my facts to my satisfaction. My choice to not support immunizations is one I firmly believe in. I can't imagine you attack the FDA and other industries for pushing chemically enhanced products and preaching the gospels of pasteurization and pesticides either. It's amazing that God could've created the world and our human bodies so flawed that we have to alter everything we put into it.

I'm sure you are as stubborn as I in your views, so as an INFORMED parent I respect and disagree with your opinion. I'm so sorry you have to share the world with people like me.  I will continue to enjoy both my healthy and beautiful children.

Edited for angry comment posted in haste.

Well, obviously you are offended. I did not mean to act like a know it all bitch, you asked what my passion was and it truly is immunology. I do believe it's ignorance that keeps you from understanding things. The reason that you doubt things when you don't understand them is ignorance.  Sorry, but it is. I have so much left to learn, no where close to an expert. You said I'm arrogant, but aren't you doing the same only with your information?  I'm sorry that I said things you didn't like to hear and you got offended so easily.

Obviously, you think you know enough to refuse it and that's your choice. Luckily, you live in a country where your wishes can be honored.

Let's just agree to disagree.

Newveggie, I'm sorry your thread turned out to be a debate, but this is just a really controversial issue. It went off topic for the questions you posted and I hope you get the answers you are looking for.

agreed. We are both passionate to each extreme about what we believe. You can't fault someone's convictions.  

You are absolutely correct that we are lucky to have a choice; which leads me to add PLEASE VOTE to everyone! I don't care who you are rooting for, just get to the polls! I think we all agree on that.

LOL! Poor newveggie.

I guess I'm not sure whether or not I care about the 'debate' as you would call it. What I do care about is that you, melika, pretend to think that since we make a different decision than you would, that we are ignorant. I have done my research, and know fully what I am doing. For you to suggest otherwise is ignorant, no matter what you think.

I do understand about herd immunity. I understand the importance of vaccinations. I also understand the importance of choice. I can almost guarantee that it is the more informed person who is going to be questioning 'conventional' wisdom on these things. We understand there are risks as well as benefits, as with all things in life, and have to make decisions for ourselves based on that.

Most hospitals do not even tell parents about the vit k shot or the eye ointment (back to my original post). They just do it. This is not INFORMED CONSENT in my opinion, and it's not right.

I'm glad you have a passion, and you are certainly entitled to your opinion. Again, just because I dont agree with you fully doesn't mean I'm ignorant. I think it is arrogant of you or anyone else to suggest otherwise.

Susan - thank you for your input and help with this. It is the information I was looking to hear, not how stupid I am for questioning routine procedures. As if doctors know everything. As if anyone does.

Editing to say that no doctor would do surgery on a newborn that didn't have the vit k shot. Of course if my baby needed for that reason I would not be against it. And, its not "Just a vitamin". Its a chemical that resembles vitamin k in its properties. But still a chemical.

Hi I am just curious...

Why is it that you don't want the eye ointment? because it will blur your babies vision for a couple of days? Trying to save a few bucks? Why not take the precautionaries?

I can understand your reasons for not wanting the Vit K.

The hep. B I don't understand why you would rather wait when you can just get it right then and there? maybe trying to save a few bucks there too?

I don't know, I am definitely no expert. And I believe these things are routine for a reason. I was asked if I wanted the hep. B before they gave it to my daughter and of course I said yes. I did no research on this, just stumbled across this thread and found it interesting.

I'm clueless here. I've heard of the vaccinations causing things like autism and I definitely don't want that for my child, but I'm not sure of why I should refuse her first bath or ointment on her eyes. What is wrong with the latter two? Also why not the vit K? I'm really confused on why or why not to do these things.

Also what about the shots when they are two years old? Is it best to not get them or spread them out?

newveggie i think the fact that you are informed is great.  i just had my son and opted to recieve all shots and his first bath in the hospital.  we were also informed before going to the hospital and came to the opposite decision.  from reading these posts and having my son for almost 2 moths i can tell everyone out there please let newveggie make this decision without any added stress.  having a baby is stressful enough and i am sure she knows all of the pros out there for what she is refusing.  i am also struggling with when to vaccinate my child.  I do not like giving him so many shots at once.  he has recieved his first 4 and will recieve all of them but it is a very very tough decision.  as to the original post, we talked to our doctor before the labor and told her we wanted to go ahead with everything.  she wrote it down on my chart and they went over it with me right before active labor started.  when my son was out of the room i was always asking what was going on with him.  being informed and concerned are very important.  being happy with your healthy new child is the most important for you and your new family.