Naturopathic Mommy: Vitamin K

In hospital births, newborns are given an intramuscular injection of Vitamin K within 6 hours of birth. This intramuscular injection is to prevent a disease call hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDNB) - a bleeding disorder identified over 100 years ago.

Recently, there has been a lot of research on the long-term effects of pain induction on newborns. To date, there is no clear answer. This raises a concern to most parents. They ask themselves the question: Is there a way to minimize pain in my newborn infant during its first few hours of life?

As a naturopathic doctor expecting her first baby in the next few days I have done some research into this question. I have decided to forgo the intramuscular injection (OUCH!) and use oral vitamin K instead.

Below is the dosing regime I will use:

Oral Vitamin K1 (K1-phytonadione) 2.0mg at time of first feeding, at 2, 4, and 6 weeks of age.

The brand I will use is Biotics Bio-K-Mulsion which supplies 500mcg (i.e. 0.5mg) per drop.

Note that Vitamin K1 by Biotics is illegal in Canada at this time.

For any questions about "Naturopathic mommy'ing" please do not hesitate to contact myself, Dr. Jolene Kennett, ND, at www.oceanwellness.ca

*Note that I am on maternity leave until Sept 1st 2009

Naturopathic Mommy: Diapers

Diaper'ing has become a very complex field! There are over 20 options for washable diapers and, of course, numerous disposable options. New parents need to consider time, convenience, cost, safety, and messiness.

As a naturopathic doctor I knew from the beginning that I was going to use washable diapers and that regardless of the hurdles, I would make this route work for me. What shocked me most were the varieties available today. (As if pregnancy brain was not enough, now I had to worry about sorting through this confusing field!) Just the other day my mom showed me how she folded pieces of flannel and pinned them to our bottoms. (Such an old fashion way!) My mom seldom worried about diaper rash, leaking, or messes with her cloth diapers. The best part - they cost less than $10 per dozen!!!

So, when I found out I was pregnant I started doing a lot of research. After speaking with mom's, nannies, researching online, and talking with baby retail store owners, I decided on the BumGenius Organic Cotton One-size diapers. At about $30 per diaper (with tax) it was quite an initial investment but the long-term savings, both monetary and environmental, are huge!

As a naturopathic doctor I just wanted to emphasize the importance of preserving the environment. There are daily reports on the amount of plastic accumulation in the environment. Next to plastic bags, diapers are the next major environmental polluters!

Should you ever have any questions about "naturopathic mommy'ing" please do not hesitate to contact me at www.oceanwellness.ca. :)

*Note that I am on maternity leave until Sept 1st 2009.