Soon after birth, your baby will be given a needle with Vitamin K to prevent bleeding problems. This injection is necessary, as newborns are unable to produce vitamin K until 8 days after birth.
The procedure will be done 2 to 6 hours following birth. Although the intramuscular injection is the most effective, it is also invasive and can cause your baby pain.
Vitamin K can also be given to your baby by mouth. This approach is not generally recommended, because it is less effective in preventing your baby from extensive bleeding from cuts, incisions or disease.
Once this procedure is done, comfort your baby by allowing them to suck or nurse at the breast; these help your baby cope with the pain from this injection.