By Lovetti Lafua
Nurse • Midwife • Biologist • Maternal Health Advocate • Human Optimization Researcher
One of the many conversations I have with expectant parents during my prenatal and postnatal classes is about vitamin K. Every family deserves the opportunity to make informed decisions about their baby’s care, and that begins with having clear, balanced information.
As a midwife, my role is not to tell parents what they should choose, but to provide evidence-based education so they understand both the benefits and the potential risks associated with every decision. If parents decide to decline the vitamin K injection for their newborn, I make sure they know the signs that should never be ignored.
These are topics we explore in much greater depth during my prenatal and postnatal classes, where I help parents prepare confidently for birth and the early weeks with their baby. If you would like to learn more, visit Expert Pre & Post Natal Consultation
Although Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) is uncommon, it can be very serious. The reassuring news is that early recognition of the warning signs allows babies to receive prompt medical care when needed.
- Bleeding That Happens Without an Obvious Reason
One of the first things I tell parents is that spontaneous bleeding is not considered normal in a newborn.
If you notice bleeding from your baby’s:
Nose
Mouth or gums
Umbilical cord stump
A previous procedure site, such as the newborn heel-prick screening test
please seek medical advice straight away.
Often it may turn out to be something minor, but if your baby has not received vitamin K, it is always safest to have any bleeding assessed promptly.
- Blood in the Nappy or Vomit
Finding blood in your baby’s urine, stool, or vomit can be frightening for any parent.
There are situations where pink or reddish staining is harmless. For example, baby girls may have a small “false period” during the first few days after birth because of the hormones they were exposed to during pregnancy. Sometimes urine crystals can also leave pinkish stains in the nappy, and certain conditions, such as a cow’s milk protein allergy, may occasionally cause blood in the stool.
Even though these explanations are often harmless, I always encourage parents not to guess. It is much better to speak with your healthcare provider so your baby can be properly assessed.
- Bruises That You Can’t Explain
Bruising is another form of bleeding.
If you notice bruises appearing without a clear cause or bruising that seems more extensive than you would expect, arrange for your baby to be examined.
Unexpected bruising can sometimes indicate bleeding beneath the skin and may occasionally be a sign that bleeding is occurring internally.
- Changes in Your Baby’s Soft Spot
One area we discuss in my classes is becoming familiar with your baby’s normal appearance.
The soft spot on top of your baby’s head, known as the fontanelle, should become something you naturally observe during routine care.
If it suddenly appears swollen, bulging, unusually firm, or looks different from its usual shape, seek urgent medical attention. In rare cases, this can be a sign of bleeding inside the skull, which requires immediate assessment.
- Trust Changes in Your Baby’s Behaviour
Parents often tell me they knew something wasn’t quite right before anyone else did. I encourage every family to trust those instincts.
Whether or not your baby received vitamin K, any significant change in behaviour deserves medical advice. This becomes especially important if your baby:
Refuses feeds or feeds poorly
Sleeps much more than usual or is difficult to wake
Becomes unusually irritable
Vomits repeatedly
Appears pale
For babies with darker skin tones, changes in colour may be easier to notice by looking at the lips, gums, tongue, or inside the mouth rather than the skin itself.
A Final Word from My Heart
The newborn period is filled with joy, learning, and sometimes uncertainty. No parent is expected to know everything, and asking for help is never a sign of weakness.
