evidence: Before having a baby, most parents don't give much thought to the vitamin K injection (shot) for their newborn. It's just not something that is talked about during prenatal checkups, even though babies have been routinely given this important shot at birth since the practice was first recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1961. Vitamin K is needed for blood to clot normally. Babies are born with very small amounts of vitamin K in their bodies, which can lead to serious bleeding problems. Research shows that a single vitamin K shot at birth protects your baby from developing dangerous bleeding that can lead to brain damage and even death. Ask your healthcare provider about the benefits of vitamin K before your delivery. Protect your newborn by making sure they get the shot after birth. [...] The good news is that VKDB is easily prevented. The easiest and most reliable way to give babies vitamin K is by a shot into a muscle in the leg. One shot given after birth will protect your baby from VKDB.