Erythromycin: Can you refuse this for your baby in the hospital?

[CountryMomToBe]

I had filled out refusal forms for this with my mudwife but seeing as how we had the breech issue 2 weeks ago I'm prepping for the worst (hospital transfer & or csection).  My husband,  both his sisters, his dad, his grandpa,  are all deathly allergic to penicillin & sulfa drugs.

So, does anyone know if hospitals actually give you a choice? I'd rather not find out if baby is allergic straight out of the womb.

[CountryMomToBe]

Doulamommy, yep, homebirth.  I'm hoping I don't need a transfer either!

Katyrb, yeah the eye ointment.  Good to know.  I'd rather the baby not be given any kind of antibiotic.

Mitch, I believe it's standard in hospitals to prevent blindness in babies... But the bacteria that causes it is from chlamydia or gonorrhea.  

Knufrio, while I still don't want the baby to be introduced to any kind of antibiotic, it does make me feel better to know it's not in either of those classes... Just in case they don't let me refuse.

[katyrb]

Are you talking about the antibiotic eye ointment? I refused them for my baby, and while they weren't thrilled it wasn't really an issue. I was 100% sure i didn't have any studs. I wrote it in my birth plan and reminded the nurses, and they just documented that I refused them.

[knufrio]

Erythromycin is a macrolide...that's usually what is given to people who have penicillin or sulfa drug allergies. Its a different class

[SunKist6]

Inform your physician of the concerns regarding the families allergy history and probability that baby might have it too.

[doulamommy]

I don't even know what that is. I'd check hospital policy but if you have a family history of allergies to it, I doubt they'd force you to give it to your baby. I take it you're planning on a home or birthing center bIrth? Hopefully you don't need to transfer! Good luck mama!

[mitch_14]

Is there a reason they would be giving them to baby? I am pregnant with my third baby and the other two were never given anything after birth...

[CountryMomToBe]

Also, I 100% know I don't have the clap or gonorrhea... & I'm pretty sure that's what it is for.