Vitamin K and your baby
Vitamin K is a substance that is naturally present in the body and plays an important part in helping blood clot. At birth, a baby has very low stores of vitamin K and these are quickly used up over the first few days of life. Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) is a rare condition that affects 1 in 10 000 babies; but, if it occurs there may be serious consequences. Mater Mothers' Hospitals recommend that vitamin K should be offered to all babies soon after birth, so that the levels of vitamin K are increased for the first few weeks of life to protect your baby against this disorder.
For detailed information about vitamin K for your new baby please read the National Health and Medical Research Council publication: Vitamin K for newborn babies.
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Mater acknowledges consumer consultation in the development of this patient information.
Mater Doc Num: PI-CLN-430155
Last modified 23/1/2019.
Consumers were consulted in the development of this patient information.
Last consumer engagement date: 01/4/2018
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