Question for experienced moms, please share your knowledge...

[zaichka]

Two things I guess. First, I am new to the group, so hello everyone!

And second, I am due with my first baby (boy!) in May :)

I do not want to vaccinate my child (or future children). Nor do I want Vit-K or Erythromycin ointment given at birth. However, I've seen comments in other threads about how important it is for parents to stay with their newborn at all times, because nurses may give the newborns shots when out of site from the parents? Do any of you ladies have personal experience with this, or knowledge about whether this is correct? 

My baby will be rooming-in with me while in the hospital, so I'm not worried about being separated from him for any length of time. However, I've seen this concern raised in other threads, and I wanted to hear some more about the validity of those statements. I know I can expect backlash and dissapproval over my decisions; I myself am a RN, and I know that I will be able to hold my own ground when questioned on the subject. The idea of other nurses going behind my back and doing those procedures anyway...well, maybe I'm being paranoid, but it definitely raises a fear.

Thoughts? Prior experiences?

Thanks in advance :)

[momma_gig]

hi! welcome to the group :)

first of all, nurses aren't allowed to give your child anything without your consent. there are tons of forms for you to sign-- make sure you read all of them CAREFULLY, because they will also need your signature if you are "refusing" (as they so kindly put it) vaccines/treatments for you baby. make sure that you're signing the right forms. and, if you have someone else (SO, DH, family member, friend) in the room with you, make sure to tell them, too, so they know and can keep an eye out, too.

also, make sure to voice your stance BEFORE the baby gets here. talk to your ob/gyn or midwife NOW, and make sure she knows what you want. when you get to the hospital, tell every nurse in the room your stance on the vaccinations, ect, too. 

hope this helps :)

[kitty8199]

They almost gave my DD the vit k. I saw the nurse with the syringe in ger hand and screamed. They already did the eye ointment. Just make sure someone is there that can watch what they do to the baby and stop them before they do it. I have heard of the hep b being done and consent asked after but that was prob a big error.

[momma_gig]

eek! i would've thrown a bitch fit! both times i gave birth i had to sign forms before they did anything. 

Quoting kitty8199:

I have heard of the hep b being done and consent asked after but that was prob a big error.

[bren_darlene]

 Yes, I have heard of this many times.  They just say "oops".  Uh huh,  right.  Just watch them!

Quoting kitty8199:

They almost gave my DD the vit k. I saw the nurse with the syringe in ger hand and screamed. They already did the eye ointment. Just make sure someone is there that can watch what they do to the baby and stop them before they do it. I have heard of the hep b being done and consent asked after but that was prob a big error.

[kitty8199]

Read the blanket consent carefully. The hep you have to sign for but I've heard mistakes. I had to sign refusing the vit k.

Quoting momma_gig:

eek! i would've thrown a bitch fit! both times i gave birth i had to sign forms before they did anything. 

Quoting kitty8199:

I have heard of the hep b being done and consent asked after but that was prob a big error.

[amberpatterson]

You can sue the hell outta them. You HAVE to concent & they SHOULD know that. Just to take precaution if they happen to want to take baby from you, you can have your hubby follow so baby is with a trusted one at all times & you can tell them "We won't be vaccinating at this time"...and that's it...

[Ichthus]

I read a vax book where the author did not want her child vaxed, but it was done anyway. I think a lot of times they do it before the parents even sign the forms bacause they assume it is supposed to be done to all babies unless you tell them otherwise. I recommend keeping the baby in your room at ALL times. The doctor can do the checkup in your room; it doesn't have to be done in the nursery. I agree with PP that you need to inform the staff BEFORE the baby is born that you do not want any of the vit k, eye ointment, hep b. I also second that you need dad or another close family/friend who knows what you do/don't want watching at all times to make sure they don't do it to baby.

[Caroline2010]

Watch him like a hawk! My dd ran a low fever for 2 hr after birth and then 12hrs later they came in and decided to give her meds lucky my dh jumped down their troats before they took her out of the room! After the next 24hr of fighting with them over giving her meds and them thinking we were killing our dd we left ama! I think they were trying to freak us out so we would vax her!

[emmy526]

Yes, it happens more often than you hear about...the child is vaxed without parental knowlege OR consent, and THEN the nurse has the audacity to come in to get the signature after the fact....be sure someone stays with your baby AT ALL TIMES!!!!  Theres no room for errors, and also you & your husband have a right to be there for the hearing test...if the hospital refuses to let him, then tell the hosp your pedi will do it instead.  

[millersmom13]

I agree, do not let your child out of your sight for any reason. I did homebirths with my kids, but women who dont want to, or can't, should not leave their kids alone. They will vaccinate your child with or without your consent if you dont stop them.