Ep. 388: Exploring Vitamin K with Katie Collins, PA-C, MSPAS

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most important (and often misunderstood!) newborn topics: Vitamin K. HeHe is joined by Katie Collins, a board-certified physician assistant, to unpack everything you need to know about Vitamin K supplementation: what it is, why it matters, and how to make an informed choice that feels right for your family.

Together, they break down the different options for Vitamin K (injection vs. oral dosing), the real risks of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), and how birth interventions like antibiotics or Pitocin can play a role. You’ll also hear about common misconceptions around the Vitamin K shot, what that black box warning actually means, and the truth about side effects like jaundice and ingredients such as aluminum.

If you want evidence-based clarity so you can feel confident about protecting your baby’s health from day one, this episode is a must-listen.

00:00 Introduction and Parental Freedom

01:31 Welcome to The Birth Lounge Podcast

02:31 The Big Baby Myth

06:37 Vitamin K Injection: Common Questions and Concerns

07:32 Meet Katie Collins: A Holistic Approach to Medical Topics

11:47 Understanding Vitamin K in Newborns

19:38 The Role of Breast Milk and Feeding in Vitamin K Levels

23:48 Impact of Birth Interventions on Vitamin K

31:06 Delayed Cord Clamping and Its Benefits

39:51 Options for Vitamin K Supplementation

41:11 Oral Dosing Regimens for Vitamin K

44:34 Risks of Declining Vitamin K Supplementation

52:43 Vitamin K and Circumcision

54:22 Vitamin K Injection and Bilirubin Concerns

57:57 Black Box Warning on Vitamin K Injection

01:02:43 Aluminum in Injectables: Safety Concerns

01:19:39 Detoxing After Vaccination

01:22:12 Final Thoughts and Resources

Guest Bio:

Katie Collins, known as Katie the PA on social media, is a board certified Physician Assistant who merges conventional medical training with a holistic mindset, challenging the mainstream narrative surrounding controversial topics like childhood vaccines, pregnancy and birth, and other top chronic health illnesses. With a robust background in family medicine, urgent care, and weight loss medicine, her main focus is to support the body's innate healing process with diet and lifestyle changes, or typical medical interventions. Today, her primary occupation and top priority is being a wife and mother to her two children. She has transitioned from working full time in the clinic to taking telehealth consults, and creates educational content on her social media platforms.

INSTAGRAM:

Connect with HeHe on IG

Connect with Katie on IG

BIRTH EDUCATION:

Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!

Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!

Preorder available now for Birthing Your Big A** Baby