Vitamin K is a preventive measure, in case a baby has a disorder that would cause life-threatening bleeding. The excessive bleeding could take place up to several months after birth. Vitamin K promotes blood coagulation. It may be administered by injection or by several oral doses. Hospitals typically offer injection, while home birth midwives use oral drops. Because colostrum (the first milk) is rich in vitamin K, early breastfeeding also supports blood-clotting ability.

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