What is the history of using erythromycin eye ointment for newborns? The use of erythromycin eye ointment in newborns has its roots in the late 1800s. Canadian pediatricians are calling for changes to what they consider an ineffective medical treatment for newborn babies: antibiotic eye drops to prevent sexually transmitted infections from mothers. Babies are screened for several conditions after 24 hours of life. Newborn Screening When your baby is approximately 24 hours old, a small blood sample is taken to screen for some serious diseases. Advice for mothers using Erythromycin while breastfeeding. Includes possible effects on breastfed infants and lactation. What is erythromycin? Erythromycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat infections such as infections of the chest, mouth, skin, stomach and genitals. Proper Use. Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex. To use: First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. We want to decline erythromycin eye ointment when our baby is born, but I read on some sites that it is required by law. Is this true? Has anyone declined this ointment that lives in Georgia? [Click + on event to add to Google Calendar!] Listed times represent show start time. Doors will open at least one hour before the listed time unless otherwise noted. Neonatal conjunctivitis is defined as conjunctival inflammation occurring within the first 30 days of life. Numerous etiologies have been implicated including chemical conjunctivitis as well as viral and bacterial infections. Preterm birth, also known as premature birth, is the birth of a baby at fewer than 37 weeks' gestational age. These babies are known as preemies or premies. Symptoms of preterm labor include uterine contractions which occur more often than every ten minutes or the leaking of fluid from the vagina. Premature infants are at greater risk for.