Need Some Love, Mamas

[jenrogs]

OK. I am the mother of two...my son will be 2 on March 20, my daughter is a couple months past 4. She had the Hep B vaccine at 5 days old because I was told it was "the law"...my instincts were objecting strongly, but I knew nothing and didn't stop them. Other than that they are unvaxed. We have moved around a lot and have previously lived in pretty much all or nothing places (VA and NY). Now we live in MN and can pick and choose I guess. This has put a wrench in things for me in a way...it was easier to say...yeah, nothing thanks.

This MN Hib thing is definitely the CDC being opportunistic, but still, reports in my state is different than hearing about reports in another state. I am now looking into all of the "meningitis" vaccines...Hib, Pneumococcal, and Meningococcal. I know meningitis is rare, but I want it off my mind. I am so so tired of thinking about this. Still, I can't see myself giving them shots. I just can't. I have read so much...as for Hib, I know it's rare and breastfed babies are better protected, and at 2 and 4 my kids are getting out of the woods. I know less about the other "meningitis shots" but I think Prevnar still has mercury?

I have always, with my research, delved in at times and then needed to take a step back and just live and process and put it aside for a while. Right now I feel like I'm white knuckling it through the winter...at times I've even been a germaphobe and have gone through antibac hand wipes phases (ick! I clean my house with vinegar and non-toxics so it is way out of character). I feel like I'm losing my mind. Pertussis has been higher in my county than anywhere else in the state...outbreaks everywhere. I have decided I'm more ok with the disease than the vax. Right now I have a cough that only flares up at night...the kids just went through a cold with fever there's a trace of cold left. And I'm just spinning. Can you tell?

I want to just trust their health. I feed them well, not perfect, but much much better than most I know. Extended breastfeeding, vit C through the winter... I know I'm just babbling here. I think it would be easier if the world looked more kindly on this decision. This recent Hib death...people are leaving comments on articles calling the parents murderers.

I just want to be at peace with my decisions and I'm losing my mind.

[buttercupmama]

You sound like you're doing fine, honestly. If you're worried, you could always supplement vitamin C daily just to feel safer, Besides, the RDA is incredibly short-sighted as you're likely already aware.

Originally Posted by jenrogs

This recent Hib death...people are leaving comments on articles calling the parents murderers.

As to this...ignorance is right alongside money as the root of all evil. It breeds unnecessary ill feelings and bad attitudes. We don't know the particulars of the child's life and circumstances relating to his death. We know only one thing about this child--that while he had a VAD, he died--and based on that one thing, people think they have a right to make harsh comments towards his parents. Based on what we know, I'm more concerned about what's wrong with the general public rather than what's wrong with this child's parents.

The choice to vaccinate is a personal decision. We should all be allowed to make this decision in peace and not be given grief for it. You're the mama, it's your call. But don't do it because people are vicious and nasty. Do it because you honestly believe it will benefit your little ones.

[ema-adama]

Originally Posted by jenrogs

I am now looking into all of the "meningitis" vaccines...Hib, Pneumococcal, and Meningococcal. I know meningitis is rare, but I want it off my mind. I am so so tired of thinking about this. Still, I can't see myself giving them shots.

I am so sorry. This really is rough. I can find you the links (if I have time) that go into why vaccinating for meningitis is not necessarily the best protection against meningitis. But it does require a lot of reading.

Originally Posted by buttercupmama

As to this...ignorance is right alongside money as the root of all evil. It breeds unnecessary ill feelings and bad attitudes. We don't know the particulars of the child's life and circumstances relating to his death. We know only one thing about this child--that while he had a VAD, he died--and based on that one thing, people think they have a right to make harsh comments towards his parents. Based on what we know, I'm more concerned about what's wrong with the general public rather than what's wrong with this child's parents.

:
It is very frustrating when such harsh judgement and critisim are dished out with so little information known. Those poor parents.