A Concerning Trend in the Nursery: Why Vitamin K at Birth Matters

Over the past several months, we at Preferred Pediatrics have been seeing a concerning trend in the newborn nursery: more families are choosing to decline the vitamin K injection that is routinely offered to babies shortly after birth. We understand that parents today have access to more information than ever before—some helpful, some confusing, and some misleading. It makes sense that families want to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions for their newborns. Our job is to support you with clear, evidence-based medical information so you can feel confident about your choices. One issue that has us truly concerned is the refusal of the vitamin K shot. This is not just a routine step on a checklist—it is a lifesaving medication that prevents a dangerous and potentially fatal condition called Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB).

Many parents are surprised to learn that newborns are born with very low vitamin K levels, and without supplementation, they are at risk for severe internal bleeding, including bleeding inside the brain. The vitamin K shot has been used safely for decades and is the only proven method to fully protect infants from all forms of VKDB.

Myths vs. Facts About Vitamin K

Myth 1: Vitamin K is a vaccine or contains harmful toxins.

Fact: Vitamin K is not a vaccine. It’s a natural vitamin that helps the blood clot normally. The injection is safe and has been used in newborns for decades. Myth 2: My baby doesn’t need vitamin K if I plan to breastfeed.

Fact: Breastfeeding alone does not provide enough vitamin K to protect newborns from VKDB. Myth 3: Oral vitamin K works just as well as the injection.

Fact: Oral vitamin K is less effective because it is not absorbed the same in every newborn. It also requires a strict schedule and even if given, it cannot fully prevent late bleeding, especially brain bleeding. Myth 4: Vitamin K injections are unnecessary because bleeding is rare.

Fact: The rate of first-week bleeding is as high as 1 in 60. With the number of families declining Vit K, we feel strongly that we will be seeing cases of Vit K deficiency bleeding in the community if the refusal rates continue at this rate. The injection is a simple and highly effective preventive measure. Myth 5: I can just watch my baby for signs of bleeding.

Fact: Bleeding can occur suddenly and without warning, even weeks after birth. Prevention with the vitamin K injection is far safer than reacting after symptoms appear. A parent would be watching for: bruising, oozing from the umbilical stump, vomiting blood, blood in stools, seizures and lethargy. If a brain hemorrhage occurs, this can lead to long-term neurological damage or death.

Our Recommendation:

At Preferred Pediatrics, we strongly recommend the vitamin K injection for all newborns. It is safe, simple, and lifesaving.

Stay Healthy KC,

Dr. Hettinger, Dr. Hosty, Dr. Patch and Dr. Voelker

Phone: 913-764-7060