We want to decline erythromycin eye ointment when our baby is born, but I read on some sites that it is required by law. Is this true? Has anyone declined this ointment that lives in Georgia? What did you have to do to decline? Sign a waiver or just inform the hospital during check in?
Courtney G. thanks for the wonderful detailed answer! I will speak with the hospital and my pediatrician as you suggest, and no, there is a 0% chance of STDs, which is why I wish to decline.
Mom S., as Courtney touched on, this ointment is used to prevent issued caused by STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, so from what I have read and researched, there is no need for it if you do not have these conditions. Also, it can cause the newborn to have blurred vision for hours or days. Here's more info if you're interested:
http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/newborn-baby-care.htm...
I am not any help as I do not live in GA. Sorry.
BUT...Why would you decline? I would love to hear your perspective on this! I have never heard of anyone declining this.
We declined this with BOTH our kids and will do so again when our third is born in September. We just told the hospital no. Didn't have to sign anything..... But I'm from MN.
EDIT:
We also declined all vaccines and to make sure they respected our decision, my husband stayed with the baby constantly after birth when they take them to the nursery for weigh in, clean up, etc.
Hi L.. It's NOT required in almost all states. Just inform the hospital during check in. Just make sure you read all the fine print of everything you are to sign, you may inadvertantly be giving consent.
My sister had eye damage from erythromycin, she still has a scar.
I do believe it is law for all baby's, In the USA
Hi L.,
My nephew declined it and all vaccines verbally at the hospital with his first child. They said no problem. Because it is normal operating procedure his little one was given vaccines with an "oops" from the nurses...My nephew just had his second child and they declined in WRITING. Be prepared for them to question and bully you. They stood their ground and were successful.
God bless and congratulations!
M.
There are things that are required by law for health care providers to do, but parents always have the right to refuse them. So the health care provider has the legal obligation to explain the risks and benefits to you and be prepared to perform the task but you have the right to decline. Erythromicin eye ointment is one of those things.
Unfortunately, you should be prepared to get some pressure from the staff on this. Many people, health care providers included, are ignorant about what this protects babies from and that there are drawbacks. I would try calling the labor and delivery unit where you are planning to deliver and ask to speak to a nurse. Tell the nurse what you want to do and see what her reaction is. That may give you an idea of what to do.
If your pediatrician is one who has hospital priveliges and will be seeing your baby right after birth you may want to discuss it with them in advance as well. Your OB is not a great one to ask as they don't really have much to do with the baby. If you have a midwife they often provide newborn care so if they will be responsible for your baby's care after birth discuss it with them.
Also, not to be insulting (but because I work in the field and I know it does happen) if there is any chance you would have a sexually transmitted infection at the time of delivery the eye ointment would then serve it's purpose.
