10/20/2021
Do you know why eye ointment (Erythromycin) is given at birth?
It is offered because there were babies being born with ophthalmia neonatorum, which is a strain of pink eye caused by ghonnorea and chlamydia.
Pink eye.... we’re pre-treating every single baby for pink eye.
If mom doesn't have either of those, the ointment is basically pointless and nonbeneficial with potential of dangerous side effects...
Most expecting mothers are tested at their first prenatal appointment for either of the aforementioned STDs.
Did you know they also give it to C-Section babies that NEVER come in contact with their mother’s potential STD?
🛑 Risks of erythromycin: eye irritation, CLOGGED TEAR DUCTS, prevents oxygen from getting to baby's eyes, JAUNDICE, chemical conjunctivitis (pink eye), blurred vision that may interfere with bonding (super important in the first moments/hours), contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, has a 20% failure rate, possibility of allergic reaction.
🛑 Risks of refusing erythromycin: should mother have an undetected STD then baby has possibility of developing TREATABLE pink eye.
Giving the ointment routinely contributes to over-prescription of antibiotics. This "just in case" medical routine is a reason why we have so many strains of resistant bacteria.
Many new moms have been told at the hospital that their child could go blind if they didn’t give their new baby the ointment.
(This was a credit to someone. A doula I believe. I did a pre post and it looks like it didn’t save. If you know where you saw it let me know so I can give credit ❤️) birth and beyond LLC
