Moving and mourning the loss of my pediatrician

[luckiest]

We've been living across the country from our family, and finally are moving back home to be close to them now that we have our little ten week old.  

I interviewed dozens of pediatricians, trying to find one who would at least tolerate my plans to not vaccinate.  Even if I weren't otherwise opposed, I feel like I have a very valid medical reason for not vaccinating - my older brother and I both had bad reactions to vaccines (he shrieked for twelve hours and was then unconscious for about 24, I got uveitis that is now an autoimmune disease similar to rheumatoid arthritis).  I thought, naively, that I could explain that to a doctor and they'd understand, even agree with my decision...uh, no.  I got a lot of lectures, a few who said I wouldn't be allowed in their practice, and a couple who would reluctantly go along with it but I could tell we'd never have a good relationship, and that they'd probably be uber cautious and want to shut down the office and wear hazmat suits every time he had a sniffle.

Then our guy fell from the sky into our laps - he 100% agrees with my reasoning, says he wouldn't vaccinate if it were his kid, talks to me like I'm an educated adult and not one of his tiny patients...he's fantastic.  And now, after only seeing him three times, we're moving and I have to start the entire search over again.  He even offered to sign a medical exemption form if we couldn't find anyone in Texas to do it (turns out it has to be a dr licensed in TX, but still).  

Sigh.  I'm just frustrated and sad about it and needed to vent.  

[Knitting Mama]

Ouch, I'm sorry!

There may be a ray of hope, though! I found my ped through the local tribe area of MDC. Four people in a row suggested one pediatrician who would be amenable to my style of parenting and my alternative vax schedule, and they were right, I love her!

[Adaline'sMama]

Originally Posted by Cecilia's Mama 

Ouch, I'm sorry!

There may be a ray of hope, though! I found my ped through the local tribe area of MDC. Four people in a row suggested one pediatrician who would be amenable to my style of parenting and my alternative vax schedule, and they were right, I love her!

Me too! I found my ped in an old forum of my tribe before I was even a member of MDC. When I searched "no vax pediatrician louisville" the MDC page was the first or second to come up! Here is the link for Texas ( I know you could probably find this yourself, but I just thought Id give you a head start)

http://www.mothering.com/community/forum/list/95 

[LittleBirdy]

I got a rec for a family doc for my LO from our (homebirth) midwives.  I've heard TX has a pretty thriving midwifery community, maybe you could call a local midwife for a rec?

[P.J.]

I was also going to suggest the Tribal Areas forum here at MDC. I think the National Vaccine Information Center also has a list of peds who are on board with not vaccinating:

http://www.nvic.org/

Good Luck!

[luckiest]

Thank you, ladies!

I have emailed a midwife in Austin, she gave me a few names but said she hasn't yet come across anyone who is outright supportive of not vaccinating, just a couple who are tolerant.  

Looks like there is one practice mentioned a few times in my tribe forum - they're probably my best bet!  I don't think I'll ever find someone I love as much as my doc here, but hopefully I'll find someone who won't lecture me every time I see them :)

[Dolphin]

do you know what part of Texas?  We're in Austin and I can give you a few options...  also Texas has the philosophical exemption option...no medical exemption necessary. 

[luckiest]

We'll be in Austin, near the Arboretum.  If you have names that would be great!  I've heard about Treehouse up in Round Rock - a few people have recommended them.