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We were given many options. I didn't want the shot because there were additionaly ingredients in it that I didn't want LO to be exposed to as a NB so I opted for the vit. k oral drops. But I know not all hospitals offer that.

I think it is a very low percentage of people that opt out of this.

Maybe @mrsjacks would know more.

i figure they wouldn't give it if it didn't have more benefits than possible side effects. if all doctor's recommend it, there's probably a good reason.

@chopsuey119: I'm pretty sure that the Vitamin K is a shot.
They do use an eyedrop medication at birth as well, in case the mother has a particular STD that could make the child blind.

We opted out of that both times just because we didn't feel it was necessary. Our midwife was very supportive of our decision but the pediatrition at the hospital was obnoxious rude about it... He started out by explaining the possible issues that could come about and that was absolutely fine, I knew he was just doing his job but he decided to also go on and on about how we were killing our baby and if our baby dies its all on us. Then he proceeded to bad mouth midwifes before dh finally had enough and told him he needed to respect our decision and leave.

I'm pretty sure it's mandatory in NYState to get the shot (and the eyedrops). I think you have to go through many hoops to get exempt from it (or have a home birth) with a lenient midwife.

Even a good portion of the natural birth community supports the vitamin K injection. The risk of not getting it greatly out weighs the fact the baby gets a shot, and there aren't many down sides to it.

ETA: There is also an oral dose. It isn't as effect so it requires a second dose.

It's standard practice to give it here in Australia as well. Of course it was a bit traumatic to watch them jab LO right after birth as she screamed her head off, but it was well worth it for the peace of mind! We'll give it to future babies as well without hesitation.