The application of ointment to newborn's eyes is a hot topic of mine. I do not support the widespread prophylactic treatment of newborns to prevent a treatable disease. In many states, eye ointment is mandatory; in some states you can not even use an informed refusal. I'm sorry, are we in a free country or not?

The widespread use is an antiquated procedure. The literature supports the responsive treatment of ON infections instead of prophylactic treatment. 

Please read evidence based birth for a full, well researched, well written article.

 http://evidencebasedbirth.com/is-erythromycin-eye-ointment-always-necessary-for-newborns/

Other Resources
1: http://blog.todayinot.com/delayed-umbilical-cord-clamping/
2: http://www.acog.org/Resources-And-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Timing-of-Umbilical-Cord-Clamping-After-Birth

Optimal cord clamping, more commonly known as delayed cord clamping is a trend picking up in popularity. The immediate, short term, and long term benefits are being researched and better understood. Take a short time out of your day to watch Dr. Greene discuss the numerous widespread benefits delaying the clamping and cutting of the cord at least 90 seconds can have on newborn babies.