Hospital procedures for newborn?

[wasswifey]

What can I do to avoid newborn screening, Vit k, eye goo, and Hep B? Can I simply refuse them? (Vit k and eye goo is the law here...)

[Fyrestorm]

Leave notes...get it printed on onsies...tape memos on your door...and...DO NOT LET THAT BABY OUT OF YOUR SIGHT

[Gitti]

Refuse it all in writing and make sure someone is with your child at all times.

Or

have the baby at home.

[gentlebirthmothr]

Plus, refuse the warming table in the labor room and the regular nursery as because or photo theraphy or warming the thing if their body temp isn't up to standards of what the hospitals thinks its good.

[tiffer23]

Really... the vit K is pretty important isn't it? Doesn't cause the baby any bad reactions and helps prevent something really bad (can't remember what at the moment).

Still if you don't want them, I think all you have to do is tell them. I let DS have the eye goo and vit k shot, but refused the hepB shot and circumcision. They were fine with it.

[mamakay]

The vit. K shot mainly prevents bleeding to death after circumcision.

[wendizbaby]

I was really worried about birthing at a hospital, but I ended up thinking it was great. They did exactly as I asked and didn't even try to take my baby anywhere without me or his father. The vitamin k shot isn't for circumcision...here's a thread about it:
http://www.mothering.com/discussions...te=1&p=5989826
Wendi

[alegna]

Best choice- birth at home.

Second best- refuse everything and never let the baby out of your sight.

It makes no sense for human babies to be born NEEDING an injection of anything.

-Angela

[gentlebirthmothr]

Originally Posted by alegna

Best choice- birth at home.

Second best- refuse everything and never let the baby out of your sight.

It makes no sense for human babies to be born NEEDING an injection of anything.

-Angela

Or if you don't feel comfortable at home yet, give birth in a free standing birth center.

[wasswifey]

We have no homebirth midwives here and no birthing centers. I always thought Id have a homebirth (before I knew the situation here!)

[Plummeting]

Originally Posted by tiffer23

Really... the vit K is pretty important isn't it? Doesn't cause the baby any bad reactions and helps prevent something really bad (can't remember what at the moment).

It's given to prevent hemorrhaging, such as what would occur with a circumcision or after an extremely traumatic birth with forceps. Solution? Do everything in your power to avoid having to let the doctor jerk your baby out with 40 pounds of pressure by its head and don't remove parts of your child's body for no medical reason. (The Jewish religion calls for circumcision on the 8th day of life, at which time the baby will have enough vit K to prevent hemorrhaging - no shot necessary.) Obviously, sometimes a traumatic birth is absolutely unavoidable and in those cases parents will have to decide at that time if the risk is worth the benefit, but that isn't possible if parents don't even understand either.

The vitamin K shot causes a significant increase in childhood leukemia. The number of deaths it causes due to leukemia are more than the number of lives it theoretically saves. Furthermore, there ARE some bad reactions, even including death. There is no such thing as an injection that includes additives that never causes a bad reaction.

So now you know, which should help in your decision, if you have another child. (Not saying that this automatically means you'll refuse - just that you'll know what your decision really means.)

To the OP: Don't let your baby out of your sight. DH abandoned DD in the nursery just because the nurse told him he "had" to leave. : I could've killed him. They gave DD the vit K and eye goop then, despite the fact that we'd already stated she wasn't to have them.

[LongIsland]

Originally Posted by wendizbaby

The vitamin k shot isn't for circumcision...here's a thread about it:
http://www.mothering.com/discussions...te=1&p=5989826
Wendi

I think mamakay was trying to make a point.

[alegna]

I would bet big bucks there are homebirth midwives there. Try posting in finding your tribe.

-Angela

[wasswifey]

I would bet big bucks there are homebirth midwives there. Try posting in finding your tribe.

-Angela

There are no CNMs, no one legal, which make it very hard and very expensive.
Trust me if I could avoid the hospital I would be.

[Gitti]

Originally Posted by mamakay

The vit. K shot mainly prevents bleeding to death after circumcision.

And after that it's linked to childhood leukemia.

I would never give that shot.

[giggleball]

I had a positive experience (just a week and a half ago!) with our hospital. I refused the Hep B shot (no big deal at all) and the eye goop. I asked ahead of time about the erythromyicin (eye goop) and they had me sign a "release." I also told my OB and she helped make sure that we did not receive it. I could see everything they were doing right after he was born and all of the nurses confirmed I did not want it, and did not give it. I had a few people ask why and I educated them as well.... Good luck!

[gentlebirthmothr]

Originally Posted by giggleball

I had a positive experience (just a week and a half ago!) with our hospital. I refused the Hep B shot (no big deal at all) and the eye goop. I asked ahead of time about the erythromyicin (eye goop) and they had me sign a "release." I also told my OB and she helped make sure that we did not receive it. I could see everything they were doing right after he was born and all of the nurses confirmed I did not want it, and did not give it. I had a few people ask why and I educated them as well.... Good luck!

giggleball,

, on positive hospital birth experience and congratz on your latest birth and baby and good luck with it.

[mamaofthreecats]

the hospital i gave birth at asked my permission before they did ANYTHING.

[mamaofthreecats]

however, i think that poke in the foot thing is unavoidable. my only advice for that is to make sure the baby is not laying down when they do it, so the blood flows to the foot faster and they can get a blood sample faster.

[Healthy Skeptic]

Originally Posted by wasswifey

What can I do to avoid newborn screening...

Incase you need one or need something to go off of, this is my INFORMED CONSENT OF THE MICHIGAN NEWBORN SCREENING TEST.

One side note for all of you is that even though most of these disorders are inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means two copies of the gene must be altered for a person to be affected by the disorder. Many people do not know they are even carrying the gene. So it is always a chance. Just do your homework and studies. I don't want to be responsible for anyone else. This our choice and it has been made after much study and thought. So anyway, here you go if you want it. If not that is fine too, but please don't flame me for listing it. If you don't agree, great, but be nice. Audy

INFORMED CONSENT OF THE MICHIGAN NEWBORN SCREENING TEST

The Michigan Newborn Screening Test currently screens newborns for eleven (11) disorders. Ten (10) which are hereditary and require two genetic carriers to have children together to pass it to their offspring. Even when both parents carry the gene there is still a one (1) in four (4) chance that the child will have the disorder. We have researched what each disorder is, what the signs and symptoms are, their commonality, and how they are inherited. This information has been typed out and listed on the attached pages.

Some of the limitations of this test include but are not limited to the following. (1.) Given so soon after birth the test is not accurate for detecting the diseases. It can be inconclusive the first week of birth. (2.) Not all affected infants will be identified through the screening. The accuracy of the tests depends on a variety of factors. While newborn screening has been reliable at times, false positive and false negative results are possible.

The Newborn screening test should be considered a screening test only Screening can indicate the possibility that an infant may be at risk for a disorder included in the testing panel. However, additional diagnostic tests are necessary to determine if the infant with an abnormal screen actually has a disorder. Because the Newborn screening is not diagnostic, a parent could be given a warning that the child has something seriously wrong, and than told to stop breastfeeding, just to hear later that the test was a false positive.

Current national standards in the United States allow the use of these screening specimens for research without requiring an individual’s consent, as long as identifying data are removed. Michigan currently keeps the screening specimens for 21.5 years and then are destroyed. During that time, some specimens may be used for medical research. As parents we have no real way of assuring that our own information or the information of our child is protected, or much say on how they are used for testing.

We completely understand all the risks and/or benefits associated with allowing or not allowing the Newborn Screening Test to be performed on our newborn. Based on the information we have studied as well as our religious, moral and personal beliefs we decline this test.

We ask that you do not administer this test to our child.

Names & Dates

INFORMED CONSENT OF THE MICHIGAN NEWBORN SCREENING TEST
Continued

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder that causes the amino acid phenylalanine to build up in the blood. This can result in severe and irreversible mental retardation, especially in infants, if not treated early.

PKU occurs in 1 out of every 13,500 to 19,000 births.

PKU is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means two copies of the gene must be altered for a person to be affected by the disorder.

PKU signs and symptoms include: A musty odor to the skin, hair, and urine. Vomiting and diarrhea, leading to weight loss. Irritability. Skin problems, such as sensitivity to light (photosensitivity), dry skin, or itchy skin rashes (eczema).

Galactosemia is an inherited disease where the transformation of galactose to glucose is blocked, allowing galactose to increase to toxic levels in the body. If galactosemia is untreated, high levels of galactose can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, low blood sugar, brain damage, jaundice, liver enlargement, cataracts, susceptibility to infection, and possible death.

Galactosemia occurs in approximately 1 in 30,000 live births.

Galactosemia is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means two copies of the gene in each cell must be altered for a person to be affected by the disorder.

Galactosemia signs and symptoms include: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy (sluggishness or fatigue), low blood glucose, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes), enlarged liver, protein and amino acids in the urine, and susceptibility to infection, especially from gram negative bacteria. Cataracts (a grayish white film on the eye lens) can appear within a few days after birth

Hypothyroidism is the condition in which the thyroid is underactive (i.e., it is producing an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones). Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder. Severe hypothyroidism can lead to a condition called myxedema, characterized by dry, thickened skin and coarse facial features.

Hypothyroidism affects 1 in 3,000 to 4,000 newborns. For reasons that remain unclear, congenital hypothyroidism affects more than twice as many females as males.

Most cases of congenital hypothyroidism are sporadic and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family.

Hypothyroidism signs and symptoms include: jaundice (yellowish skin), noisy breathing, and an enlarged tongue. If hypothyroidism is not detected and treated, early symptoms in the infant include feeding problems, failure to thrive, constipation, hoarseness, and sleepiness.

Maple syrup urine disease is an inherited disease of amino acid metabolism that causes acidosis, central nervous system symptoms, and urine that may smell sweet like maple syrup.

Maple syrup urine disease affects an estimated 1 in 185,000 infants worldwide.

Maple syrup urine disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means two copies of the gene in each cell are altered.

Maple syrup urine disease signs and symptoms include: Poor feeding. Vomiting. Poor weight gain. Increasing lethargy (difficult to wake up). Characteristic burned sugar smell to urine. Changes in muscle tone, muscle spasms, and seizures.

Biotinidase Deficiency (BTD) is caused by the lack of an enzyme called biotinidase.
Without treatment, this disorder can lead to seizures, developmental delay, eczema, and hearing loss.

(BTD) occurs in 1 out of every 60,000 live births.

(BTD) is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means two copies of the gene in each cell must be altered for a person to be affected by the disorder.

(BTD) signs and symptoms include: seizures, poor muscle tone, skin rash/infection, hyperventilation, and apnea.

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease in which the red blood cells, normally disc-shaped, become crescent shaped. As a result, they function abnormally and cause small blood clots. These clots give rise to recurrent painful episodes called "sickle cell pain crises."

Sickle cell disease occurs in approximately 1 in 500 African-American newborns and 1 in 1,000 to 1,400 Hispanic-American births.

Sickle cell anemia occurs when a person inherits two abnormal genes (one from each parent) that cause their red blood cells to change shape.

Sickle cell disease signs and symptoms include: joint pain and other bone pain, fatigue breathlessness, rapid heart rate, delayed growth, and puberty susceptibility to infections, ulcers on the lower legs (in adolescents and adults), jaundice, bone pain, attacks of abdominal pain, and fever.

Medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (MCAD) is a rare condition that prevents the body from converting certain fats to energy, particularly during periods without food (fasting). People with this disorder have inadequate levels of an enzyme that breaks down (degrades) a certain group of fats called medium-chain fatty acids.

(MCAD) occurs in 1 out of every 15,000 live births.

(MCAD) is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means two copies of the gene in each cell are altered.

(MCAD) signs and symptoms include: vomiting, lack of energy (lethargy), and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Homocystinuria is a disorder in which the body is unable to process certain amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) properly. The most common form of the condition is caused by the lack of an enzyme called cystathionine beta-synthase. This form of homocystinuria is characterized by dislocation of the lens in the eye, an increased risk of abnormal blood clots, and skeletal abnormalities. Problems with development and learning are also evident in some cases.

Homocystinuria affects at least 1 in 200,000 to 335,000 people worldwide. The disorder appears to be more common in Ireland.

Homocystinuria is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means two copies of the gene in each cell are altered.

Homocystinuria signs and symptoms include: mildly delayed development or failure to thrive (poor growth). After 3 years of age, these children have visual problems such as nearsightedness and/or dislocated lenses (a part of the inner eye slips out of its normal position).

Citrullinemia causes ammonia and other toxic substances to accumulate in the blood. Two forms of citrullinemia have been described; they have different signs and symptoms and are caused by mutations in different genes.

Citrullinemia Type I is the most common form of the disorder, affecting about 1 in 57,000 births worldwide. Type II citrullinemia is primarily found in the Japanese population, where it occurs in an estimated 1 in 100,000 to 230,000 individuals.

Citrullinemia is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means two copies of the gene in each cell are altered.

Citrullinemia Type I signs and symptoms usually becomes evident in the first few days of life. Affected infants typically appear normal at birth, but as ammonia builds up in the body they develop a lack of energy (lethargy), poor feeding, vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Citrullinemia Type II signs and symptoms usually appear during adulthood and mainly affect the nervous system.

Argininosuccinic aciduria causes ammonia to accumulate in the blood. Ammonia is toxic, especially to the nervous system, and argininosuccinic aciduria usually becomes evident in the first few days of life.

Argininosuccinic aciduria occurs in approximately 1 in 70,000 live births.

Argininosuccinic aciduria is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means two copies of the gene in each cell are altered.

Argininosuccinic aciduria signs and symptoms include: lethargic or be unwilling to eat, have poorly-controlled breathing rate or body temperature, experience seizures or unusual body movements, or go into a coma.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is caused by a missing enzyme needed for the body to function properly causing overproduction of male hormones. CAH refers to a set of inherited disorders that occurs in both males and females as a result of the excess production of male hormones.

(CAH) occurs in 1 out of every 21,500 births. but mild forms of the disease may occur in one out of every 100 to 1,000 persons.

(CAH) is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means two copies of the gene in each cell are altered.

(CAH) signs and symptoms in girls include: ambiguous genitalia, early appearance of pubic and axillary hair, excessive hair growth, deep voice, Abnormal menstrual periods, and/or Failure to menstruate.

(CAH) signs and symptoms in boys include: early development of masculine characteristics, well-developed musculature, enlarged penis, Small testes, and/or early appearance of pubic and axillary hair.