I am scheduled to have my 2nd daughter on Monday and I have been thinking about declining the eye antibiotic that they routinely put on newborns. I have never had any STD's and I am thinking that it is not necessary to have this done, especially since I am having her via c-section. I believe in vaccinations and have no problem with most things of this nature, just not sure about the antibiotics as a preventative??
Just curious to see what your thoughts/experiences are? Thanks!
Why not do it? It doesn't cause harm and any potential for infection in a newbie is not worth it.
And a newbie can barely see anything anyway, so it's not going to affect bonding. Smell and skin contact and the mother's voice is what is need for bonding.
No harm. Potential good. Why not?
There are many many women who decline the eye ointment both for vaginal and c-section births. I don't see any reason why you should get it other than the fact that most people don't do their homework and just follow the herd.
Although certain bacterias that can cause issues can be found in the eyes of c-section babies as well, there are some questions as to whether or not the antibiotic even actually prevents against these.
Your risk is low, as you know your history and have no STD's, I don't know why you'd choose to do it. I think it is recommended because there are so many women whose prenatal care is poor and it is an easy way to (maybe) prevent certain infections.
It will also blur baby's vision which can affect bonding with baby.
Here is a good idea if you decline the eye antibiotic: Watch for symptoms of infection, and treat if they develop. The most common symptoms are: lots of mucous discharge from the eyes, and swelling and redness of the eyelids. Newborns may also develop minor eye infections from contact with siblings or others. These are not related to sexually transmitted infections and are easily treated.
We didn't do it the second time around. Just signed the informed consent waiver.
Good luck!
Maybe I have missed out on the rockin' good time that a newborn with an eye infection would be, but... I don't get what the point would be of going out of your way to decline something that isn't harmful, and may very well be helpful. Regardless of the birth method, birth is messy, and babies have no immune system to begin with. Just my two cents! Good luck with your delivery, I hope all is speedy and uneventful! =)
Hi L.,
Honestly, having worked in surgery, that would be the one time I would anxious to get the propholactic antibiotic. Not because of STD's but because of other bacteria. You could have them delay the antibiotic ointment for a little while so the two of you can bond. This can be delayed up to two hours.
Make sure that you are making an informed decision.
Kind regards,
T. Nelson CD (DONA)
Hi L., I believe the goop they put on your baby's eyes is to prevent conjunctivitis, aka pink eye. Pink eye is going around like crazy in this area (just had a friend in Bothell whose son had it on Saturday and just about everyone I know in this area has had it within the past six weeks), so I would ask your doctor about what it does and what the risks are, etc. But I'm thinking that since pink eye is so prevalent in this area at the moment, it might be wise to let them put the stuff in her eyes.
We declined it with both our kids. (First one c-section, second one v-bac. We will decline again when our 3rd child is born via c-section.)
I recommend talking to your pediatrician and your ob. They can better explain the purpose of the antibiotic and the risks/benefits of declining it (better than us mostly non-clinical moms can!). Then you can make a truly informed decision going forward.
I didn't even realize they put it on babies born via c-section! That doesn't even make sense. I know here in GA it's a state LAW that they put it on every baby, so I guess they just do it regardless of the birth method. Not sure about your state. If I was having a c-section I would decline it.
