Non Vax Friendly Pediatrician in Tucson, AZ

[lovingemerson]

Hi all, I'm looking for a non-vax friendly pediatrician in Tucson.  I have a six month old son and have been struggling to find an office that wont be awful to us because we have chosen not to vaccinate.  I'm scared to death of vaccines as I have read many awful things about it..but also scared if im doing the right thing for my son...anyway...i'd like to take him to a pediatrician that won't harrass us or guilt trip us into thinking we are bad parents for not vaccinating.  Any recommendations in the tucson area? also looking for a doctor for myself..open to a naturopath. 

[SundayCrepes]

We see Janel Lloyd at Catalina Pediatrics. 323-3099. Every time we see her she says, "Any vaccinations today?" I say no and we move on. When the H1N1 was starting out and looking serious, I discussed the vaccine with her. She was honest and said, "It will only last for 6 months or so. It's a year round disease. You will have to vaccinate twice a year." I appreciated her full disclosure based on her awareness of my attitudes about vaccines despite her differing views on the subject.

I've heard if you call the office and ask if they'll take non-vaxing families that they will say no. So, just make an appt with her and don't tell anyone else about it.

[lovingemerson]

Thank you soooo much this helps a LOT!!!

[lovingemerson]

just out of curiousity..we are also vegetarian...is there a reason why you don't eat tomatoes? pardon my ignorance...also sometimes i worry about baby getting enough calcium, and protein..we eat a lot of beans..and i drink almond milk and cheese..but still get concerned everynow and again...any ideas for ensuring lo gets enough calcium? or am im being silly and worrying without reason? also...is there a baby group in tucson that you are aware of..im also a stay at home mom and really need to make some mama friends!!  Thank you soooo much for writing back! 

[SundayCrepes]

I should change my signature to explain, but there's not much room. My daughter can't tolerate those foods is all. (Though being gluten, dairy, and cane sugar free is wonderful. Though there aren't many places we can eat out. Everything is restaurants has sugar or tomatoes.)

The birth center has a really great mom/baby group.

There was just a study in the last few days in the newspaper and online showing that elderly vegan nuns had bones as dense as omnivorous nuns. If you're drinking store bought almond milk it's probably calcium fortified. You could consider a calcium supplement. 

You're probably  ok with the protein, I've got to attend to my kids NOW they say.

[LexiDrewMama]

Originally Posted by lovingemerson 

just out of curiousity..we are also vegetarian...is there a reason why you don't eat tomatoes? pardon my ignorance...also sometimes i worry about baby getting enough calcium, and protein..we eat a lot of beans..and i drink almond milk and cheese..but still get concerned everynow and again...any ideas for ensuring lo gets enough calcium? or am im being silly and worrying without reason? also...is there a baby group in tucson that you are aware of..im also a stay at home mom and really need to make some mama friends!!  Thank you soooo much for writing back! 

Right there with you!  I joined an AP group on meetup.com but I have social anxiety and I'm really nervous to go to a meetup ha!  I also see Dr. Janel Lloyd and so far I love her....haven't really discussed vaxing with her yet but will in the few weeks when DD has her 2 mo.

[lovingemerson]

THanks for the tip! It looks like a great site! you made me laugh about being shy to go to a meeting i'm the same way..i've gone to the birth center group but sometimes i feel anxious to go....lol! i'm going to look for a group on there too...:) maybe one day we see eachother there! :)

[AZJenJen]

I'm looking for a vax friendly pedi in Tucson as well. LovingEmerson, did you find one??

[DoulaAngie]

We use Dr. Melissa Ray at Orange Grove Family Practice.  She's a Family Practice doctor and cares for our whole family.  Our youngest is unvaccinated and she has never given us any hassle over it.  She'll ask "are we doing any vaccines today" we say "No", she smiles and says "you know I had to ask." 

[AZJenJen]

Thank you so much! We live on the far east side of town, but if we don't find one closer, I will definitely call her office. I appreciate your response!

[Knitting Mama]

Originally Posted by lovingemerson 

also...is there a baby group in tucson that you are aware of..im also a stay at home mom and really need to make some mama friends!!  Thank you soooo much for writing back! 

www.meetup.com/MindfulMamas/  We're a nice bunch. 

The group started out with 6 women whose babies were rapidly outgrowing the mom/baby group at the birth center and has grown pretty dramatically from there. Check us out!