Newborn Medications & Procedures | Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
In the first hours and days of your baby’s life, a lot happens quickly. Along with the joy and exhaustion of a new arrival, you’ll also be presented with several routine medications and procedures for your newborn, and it’s completely normal to have questions about each one. At Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates, we believe you deserve clear, honest information about every step of your baby’s care, so you can make informed decisions with confidence rather than simply following along.
To discuss your birth plan or newborn care preferences in advance, call (781) 235-4000 or request an appointment online.
Newborn Medications
Vitamin K
Shortly after your baby’s birth, they will be offered a Vitamin K injection, typically given in the thigh within the first hour or so of life. This is one of the most well-established newborn interventions in modern medicine, and for good reason. Babies are born with very low levels of Vitamin K, a nutrient essential for healthy blood clotting. Without supplementation, newborns face a small but serious risk of a rare bleeding disorder known as Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), which can affect the brain and other organs. A single Vitamin K injection at birth provides protection that lasts for months, while your baby’s own body gradually builds its natural supply.
We understand some parents have questions and hesitations around this injection, and we want to assure you that nothing is done without your consent. We’re glad to talk through the evidence surrounding Vitamin K injections with you during your prenatal visits, so you feel comfortable with the decision either way.
Erythromycin Eye Ointment
Another standard newborn treatment is a small amount of erythromycin ointment applied to your baby’s eyes shortly after delivery. This antibiotic ointment helps protect against certain bacterial infections that a baby can be exposed to while passing through the birth canal, infections that, left untreated, can potentially affect a newborn’s vision.
The ointment is applied quickly and doesn’t require any injections or discomfort beyond brief, temporary blurriness. It’s a simple, preventive step that offers meaningful protection during a vulnerable window in your baby’s first days.
Hepatitis B Vaccine (First Dose)
Your baby will also be offered the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine while still in the hospital, typically within the first 24 hours of life. Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver, and it can be passed from mother to baby during birth, even when the mother has no symptoms or known infection.
Starting the vaccine series at birth provides an important layer of protection during the earliest, most vulnerable stage of your baby’s life. This first dose is typically followed by additional doses during well-baby visits over the following months, completing the full series your baby’s pediatrician will help you schedule.
Newborn Procedures
Newborn Circumcision
For families who choose it, we also perform newborn circumcision, a procedure that removes the foreskin covering the tip of the penis. Circumcision is an entirely elective procedure, meaning the decision is entirely up to you and your partner, often shaped by personal, cultural, religious, or family considerations. If you choose circumcision, it’s typically performed within the first day or two of life, while your baby is still in our care. Our physicians use gentle, well-established techniques and take steps to minimize discomfort throughout the brief procedure. Afterwards, we’ll walk you through simple aftercare instructions to support healing over the following days.
If you’re unsure whether circumcision is right for your family, we’re glad to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and considerations with you well before your delivery date, so you have time to make the decision that feels right for you, without pressure. Of note, if you do request to have your child circumcised, vitamin K is required prior to the procedure to minimize the risk of bleeding complications.
Why Choose Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates for Your Delivery
Every one of these medications and procedures is offered, not mandated. As your OB/GYN team, our role is to give you complete, evidence-based information so that you and your partner can make confident decisions about your baby’s care. We encourage you to bring your questions to your prenatal appointments, so there are no surprises on delivery day, and so your birth plan and newborn care reflect exactly what you want for your newborn.
From your very first prenatal visit through your baby’s first days of life, our team is committed to walking alongside you with honesty, expertise, and genuine care. We take the time to explain every recommendation, respect every decision you make for your family, and ensure that both you and your newborn receive attentive, compassionate care from the very beginning.
Schedule Your Prenatal Consultation in Wellesley
If you’re expecting and want to discuss your birth plan, including newborn care preferences, our team is here to answer your questions and help you prepare.
To schedule an appointment in Wellesley, call (781) 235-4000 or request an appointment online.
Newborn Care FAQs
Are these newborn medications and procedures required?
No. Vitamin K, erythromycin eye ointment, the hepatitis B vaccine, and circumcision are all offered as standard newborn care, but parents are welcome to do their own research on each topic, discuss each option with their provider, and decide what they want their newborn’s care to look like with confidence.
Can I decline any of these for my baby?
Absolutely. These are recommendations based on strong medical evidence, but the decision ultimately belongs to you and your partner. We encourage an open conversation about the benefits and any concerns before your delivery date, but you should never feel pressured into anything you’re not absolutely sure about. If you decide not to move forward with any newborn care options at first, you can always change your mind later on.
Of note, if you are planning to decline any of the newborn medications at the time of your admission to Brigham and Women’s for labor, the Neonatal team will come to review the information and recommendations with you, giving you an opportunity to speak with a pediatrician about any concerns you may have. If you do decide to decline the newborn medications, you will need to sign a form stating that the information has been reviewed with you and that you are choosing to defer them. We mention this now so there are no surprises on the special day of your delivery.
Does the Vitamin K shot hurt my baby?
Like any injection, the initial injection may cause brief discomfort, but it’s over quickly, and most babies settle right afterward. The Vitamin K itself shouldn’t cause any side effects or adverse reactions.
When are the remaining hepatitis B vaccine doses given?
After the first dose at birth, your baby’s pediatrician will schedule the remaining doses in the series during your routine well-baby visits over the following months.
Is newborn circumcision painful for my baby?
The initial procedure may cause your baby some discomfort in the moment, but it’s over very quickly, and they generally settle back down within minutes. You can choose to be in the room when this occurs, or you can choose not to be present during the circumcision, and your baby boy will be returned to you once it’s over. Our physicians use techniques designed to minimize discomfort, and we’re happy to discuss pain management options with you in advance, so you know exactly what to expect and how to keep your baby comfortable while they heal.