Without getting too controversial, I have been asked by a few expecting moms what exactly we do for tests and procedures with our newborns.
With both boys, I had done my research on vaccines and declined the Hep B vaccine, but what I had not done is my research on the rest of the testing/ procedures. With Honey, I was much more prepared and was fully aware of some of the feedback that I would be getting from the hospital staff (not positive, mind you, although I did receive some secret encouragement through their midwife on call).
I figured there are quite a few expecting readers out there as well, and boy I wish I would have known the simple facts over the following vs. the "scary" facts that the doctors office will provide you with!
Hep B Vaccine: Standard (hospital) protocol--first immunization for newborn babies. Given to every baby-regardless of the mother's testing results. Hep B is a disease contracted by a promiscuous lifestyle or drug use...if the mother tests positive, it is important for the infant to be immunized against this disease, but I think you will know as a mother whether or not you should be tested...need I say more? I won't go into the side effects from this vaccine, but if you choose to research (which I highly advise!), here is one article among many that support the banning of Hep B given to infants and small children. You have every right to decline this vaccine. If you are still on the fence whether or not you will be choosing to vaccinate, you can easily decline it and/ or delay your newborn's exposure.
Eye Treatment: An antibiotic given to newborns to protect them from gonorrhea or chlamydia when passing through the birth canal... again, similar to the Hep B shot, I'm pretty sure you will know if you are a carrier of either STD...if you're unsure, get tested, but there is no reason that your infant would need antibiotics if you're clear of either STD... if your baby does get an eye infection (Kid did as an infant, not due to an STD, of course, but due to an irritated clogged tear duct), breast milk is the cure-all for any skin/eye irritant or infection. Just squeeze some of the miracle juice in your babe's eye and it sure clear up rather quickly... a side note (hopefully he won't be too embarrassed), when Bee was a nursling, Daddy Mock got pink eye... a little bit of pumping on my behalf and a few drops administrated in his eye throughout the day and it was instantly gone! Magic!
Vitamin K: Do your research on this one. Babies aren't born with a good amount of Vit K in their bodies... it takes approximately 8 days of breastfeeding to build it up. Within those 8 days, if anything drastic happens (dropping them on the floor, a car accident, etc.) that would encourage internal bleeding, they may not have the capability to clot their own blood... we opted out of this shot, simply because of our belief that bodies are born perfect (and a slight link to skin disorders/ childhood cancer). If Honey had to be vacuumed out or foreceps were needed, it would be a different story (as there is a higher chance for internal bleeding). Also, if you are planning on circumsizing your son, I would do extensive research as well.
Hearing Test: There is nothing harmful to the infant in this standard procedure.
PKU Test: Screens newborn for a fatal disorder... it's a simple prick to the heel. The only risk involved with this is possible infection from the prick, we decided to allow this test as it had no real harmful side effects (other than your newborn possibly feeling it).
I hope this offers some sort of information for you in your search. Keep in mind I have no medical background and this is all based on my research and our preferences for our babies! Any other feedback is welcome--I am always on the lookout for new information (for or against!).
Speaking of perfect...perfect little toes!
And yes, that's a disposable on Honey G... in fact both her and Bee are in disposables until we get into our groove. It's actually been a nice break, but I'm ready to start saving money again!