Friday, April 11, 2008
Just Wondering...
Okay, everyone--I'm bringing up the dreaded subject of vaccination (Jaws music here), but don't run away yet! I know we all have different opinions on the subject of vaccination. It's a topic that is almost never left alone in our household. We strive to always keep an open mind, basing all decisions on good old "gut feelings" and more importantly, deciding what's best for our child based on on-going personal research. For now, for us, that means not vaccinating, but we completely respect those who do vaccinate. After all, I'm the last to say I "know it all" and I never stop researching, reading, learning and asking in my long, exhausting, scary quest for the truth. I am ready to change my mind at a moment's notice if someone would just give me pro-vaccine information that I'm completely comfortable with. Sometimes it feels like a catch 22, if you know what I mean. Anyways, my step-mother sent me this article today (don't worry, it's not making any outrageous claims, one way or the other) and I wanted to post it and get an opinion from both vaccine supporters and those who think vaccines are too dangerous to risk with the current schedule and/or ingredient lists. What are the reasons behind your beliefs? What have all of you heard/felt in your own personal experiences? Most of all, do any of you know of an unvaccinated child with severe asthma or autism? How many children do you know (if any) who have autism and WERE vaccinated. After reading the article, I am curious. Ask around and report back to headquarters! ;o) Merci beaucoup.
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6 comments:
Interesting article. Excuse me for not getting the most of it.. Amelia is being a wiggly nurser right now. Anyway.. you know how I feel on this subject, basically exactly the way you do.
I do know A LOT of people who do not vaccinate, not wonderfully but coming from the family I did, that was my parents circle of friends. I don't know anyone who has autism or asthma that was not vaccinated. Most of these people are breastfeeders.
I've been wondering lately if along with the vaccinations if it does have to do with breastfeeding and your lifestyle. Most people who do not vaccinate.. breastfeed, co-sleep, possible homeschool, eat healthier, etc. I think that plays a roll in it all as well. I don't know.. a lot to think about.
I'm curious to read what comments you get from this, I hope a lot.
Havent read the article yet, but just wanted to answer your question! Actually I only know a couple people who's children are not vaccinated so not sure on that part. However, both of my boys are fully vaccinated(I never knew there was a choice before meeting you, Andrea and Sharon! just thought it HAD to be done), and as you know Ethan has very mild autism spectrum disorder and Alex does not have any health problems. That is all I know. I do wish that I had known more prior to just automatically getting them vaccinated to make a better decision whether or not too. Can't wait to read the article and thanks so much for sharing!
Oh my goodness, I have been all about this lately. You know we don't vaccinate (Jack had his newborn and 2 month shots, but nothing at all since then...Sophie has had nothing), and I'm very confident in our decision. I had some doubts early on, but the more I learn the more I know this is the right choice for our family. I don't know many unvaccinated kids well enough to say if they have or don't have health issues. But I do know 2 fully vaccinated children with asthma, although there IS a family history so whether they would have gotten it anyway or if the vaccines triggered it is hard to say. Joe has asthma, so we also have the family history for it but both of our kids have never had any respiratory issues at all. Although like Andrea mentioned, is that because of not vaccinating or because of the healthier lifestyle people who opt out of vaccines tend to live?? We do the whole extended bf-ing, co-sleeping, healthy unprocessed diet, non-toxic cleaners, etc. So they have less toxins in their bodies overall...and things like autism in particular are often triggered by environmental toxins (in the air, our food, cleaning products, and vaccines!), as well as other things. An unexpected source of vaccine info has been Jenny McCarthy! Her son was diagnosed with autism at almost 3, and she's been on a crusade to get info out about the toxins in vaccines combined with the flaws of the current vaccine schedule (36 shots today versus 10 in 1983!)...too much too soon is her mantra. Her son has since recovered from autism through detox, diet, and other therapies. She's recently been on Larry King Live along with Dr. Jay Gordon (her pediatrician) and pediatricians who are pro-vaccines debating this issue...and it was by far the best debate on the subject I have ever seen. (To watch it go on youtube and search "vaccines and autism jenny mccarthy larry king live" and it should come up for you...there are five 8 minute videos). There's also a great interview with her on Youtube called "take the crap out" which should come up also when you do the above search. I'm thinking of posting about this on my blog and including the videos since it's been on my mind a LOT lately. Ok, sorry this has been so long! If you want to talk more, email me!
Thanks for the great comments--and keep asking around--I'd like some really good stories to share with everyone around here. Kim--I love everything Jenny McCarthy has done and said on this issue--I posted about this a few months ago, but I can't remember the title--There were some transcripts from shows that Jenny and Holly Robinson-Peete were on together.
I am so glad I am friends with people like you guys who understand...It's rare to find people who don't condemn me for our decision to not vaccinate, whether or not they vaccinate, themselves--Thank you! It means the world! We can't even find a pediatrician here who will see Landon at this point...It is so frustrating and unfair, considering we do everything that we do out of love and concern for our son :o( I don't want to be someone who vaccinates and then realizes it was a big mistake and then ten years later find that vaccine studies have been done, deeming them dangerous....I really feel it coming--There's too much evidence, you know?
Wow, I didn't realize youo were having issues with finding a pediatrician. I've heard all about those horror stories of ped's who refuse to treat unvaxed kids...and it's absolutley ridiculous. Have you tried to find a local naturopathic pediatrician? Many of them accept insurance now so your out of pocket shouldn't be too much. I'm actually looking into to finding one for the kids instead of the ped. we have now since they've been making disrespectful comments and they just don't seem AS supportive of our choice any more. The thing I LOVE about ND's is they are all about maintaining wellness versus treating illness, and very accepting and supportive of natural parenting and lifestyle. Either way, I hope you find someone you trust and who will be supportive of your decisions. Let me know how it works out!
Kim--It's "slim pickins" around here as far as DOs are concerned--I know the midwife my stepmom used (who is verrrry smart and seems more "medical" than most) is studying for her OD right now, but it will be awhile. She has been more helpful to me than any of Landon's "real" doctors have been so maybe that will be an option further down the road. I will keep the search going and keep you updated, of course!
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