Newborn testing advice

Hey everyone! I'm in Quebec, Canada and preparing for my hospital birth this July. I've written a letter to go with my birth plan that outlines my refusal of certain newborn preventative procedures, specifically the vitamin K injection, Hep B vaccine, and antibiotic eye drops. However, I recently learned they also do blood and urine screenings for newborns. From what I understand, the blood test involves taking a few drops from the baby's heel, and the urine sample is collected at home by the parents. I’ve seen some U.S.-based videos where babies' blood samples were used for research without parental consent, which honestly concerns me. I know these screenings are meant for early detection of rare disorders, and I’m trying to figure out if it's something truly worth doing. For those who’ve looked into this, do you think the benefits outweigh the risks? And if I decide to opt out, are there any alternative ways to keep an eye on my baby’s health?

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Hey! Im in Alberta! We don’t do urine tests here so I can’t comment on that. I did the heal prick, not convinced it’s worth it? Next time I probably just won’t. It’s sketchy. In Alberta they don’t do the antibiotic eye ointment, it’s in case mom has a venerial disease. It’s ridiculous. And we absolutely refused the vitamin K shot. It’s dumb too. I planned a freebirth with my first and ended up in the hospital cause long story. Chances are they won’t even read your letter nevermind your written birth plan. They will push you through like a cog in a wheel and just do their hospital procedures. If you refuse anything like the K shot, they will make you sign an “against medical advice” form. They’ll tell you they do delayed cord clamping, their delay is 30 seconds instead of immediately after emergence. If I were you I’d just give birth at home. It’s way easier. Follow your intuition, it’s wiser than any hospital policy. They’ll make the policy seem mandatory and it’s NOT.

Also hep B is deplorable. It was made for hookers on the streets. But when they realized hookers don’t give a shit about their health the creators had to find a use for it. In comes newborn babies. The only way to get hep b is from dirty sex or dirty needles. Chances are your baby is 100% safe.

I wish I could have a home birth, but that's just not possible this time. I’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which makes my pregnancy high-risk, and on top of that, I still have complete placenta previa. I’m not sure yet if a vaginal birth will even be an option. I have my 32-week ultrasound scheduled for this Friday, so I'll see how that goes. That’s what scares me the most… that all the intention and care I’m putting into my birth plan will just be ignored.

@Stacie 😳😳😳 I did not know that. That's insane!

@Stacie Omg, I just checked out your profile and saw that you studied at CSNN!😁 I’m actually in the program right now, and I can’t wait to be done. How long did it take you to finish? I’ve been feeling a bit discouraged lately… it’s a lot!

Gestational diabetes doesn’t make you high risk. It makes you high risk for interventions by the system. They love that because they can bill for more and make more money off your labour. If you had a complete placenta previa at 20 weeks it’s highly likely it has moved upwards in your belly because your belly grows SO much. Honestly research absolutely everything. Join freebirth facebook groups. Those women are the most educated on NATURAL birth and all the variations of normal, and all the things that scare the system. That being said I despise the system for so many reasons. They will absolutely ignore your wishes, hospitals do not give a shit.

Well in Alberta it’s a one year course in classroom and I finished like 7 years ago? It gives a good foundation for sure. Don’t be discouraged it’s ok!! It’s probably the being pregnant part too you’re doing so so much!!

Feel free to PM me if you like

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