Yes, no, or delay?
Why does your baby need eye ointment? We all know how babies are born … right?
The proximity of a vaginal birth can potentially expose your baby to harmful bacteria.
Let’s face it, all of our bodily functions happen in a rather compact area. Eye ointment is to kill bacteria to prevent blindness. Do you have this harmful bacteria? Well, it’s possible. The most common reason for the presence of this type of bacteria is a sexually transmitted disease.
Generally, prenatal care involves testing for these diseases. If you’ve been cleared, the eye ointment could wait.
Consider
The antibiotic ointment does kill common bacteria from the anus and genital area that can be passed during vaginal delivery.
However, the eye ointment has been linked with irritation and difficulty bonding.
If you chose to have your newborn be given the antibiotic ointment, you may consider delaying the ointment for a few hours, until you have had a chance to bond and breastfeed.
Birth Plan Decision
Eye Ointment
Yes, No, or Delayed?
