hi non vaxing mommies!

[MommaSeaHorse]

Hey mommas! I'm a first time momma to a beautiful baby boy. Since birth we have choosen not to vaccinate. I'm lookin for some other mommas that feel the same way about vaccines as I do. None of the moms I know besides my husbands mother who support and agree with my decision. I feel vaccines are extremely dang.erous and the ingedients are horrific

[mom of twins]

Hi there...congrats on your baby boy!

I am glad you found this forum earlier than I did.  I have twins (almost 5 yrs old) and wish I knew more about how to go about this issue of choosing not to vaccinate.  Have you found a doctor yet?  We struggled with finding a pediatrician for 2 years...finally found one we like who is willing to go along with our decision without pressuring us. From our experience, a family practice was the way to go. All the big pediatric practices kicked us out, no ifs ands or buts. 

Secondly, if I knew what I know now when asked about vaccinating, ie:  The dreaded question" Is he/she up to date on vaccines?" at emergency room visits, etc...I would have simply stated, "We do not vaccinate."   If they pressure us as to why, I now say "religious reasons".  For 4 years, I skirted the issue saying we had concerns and will be delaying vaccines, only to be lectured by doctors and made to feel like bad parents. I was stressing so badly about wellness check-ups.  (ugh!)  I am glad I found this forum for support, ideas, information, and I hope it helps you with whatever route you decide - delaying them or opting out all together.

I do have one friend who does not vaccinate and refer to her for the "pep talk" needed every now and then to remember why we have chosen to go this route.  I have found it very hard to talk to people about our decision b/c they just don't get it or maybe they had concerns as well but went along with what the doctors said and didn't realize they had options.  The pressure from doctors can be overwhelming especially as parents for the first time.  (We almost gave in to the lecture a couple of times, but thankfully didn't.) 

Good luck and enjoy your baby boy!   Feel free to message with other questions etc...

[Chicharronita]

Hi MommaSeaHorse! It's nice to meet you. 

I'm a non-vaccinating parent of one daughter. My dh and sister are also on the same wavelength. My father supports me, but my mother is more pharm-loving. 

I'm fortunate to live in a city with a small community of people who live a healthy lifestyle and don't vaccinate or selectively vaccinate. It's nice to have like-minded people to hang around with, especially for play groups. 

Originally Posted by mom of twins 

Have you found a doctor yet?  We struggled with finding a pediatrician for 2 years...finally found one we like who is willing to go along with our decision without pressuring us. From our experience, a family practice was the way to go. All the big pediatric practices kicked us out, no ifs ands or buts. 

You're probably better off. Aren't you glad you found someone who supports you?

It's such a nice feeling. I used to worry about what they thought until I realized that I am hiring them for their services just as I would a mechanic, so if they don't want my money, I can take my business elsewhere!

  I have found it very hard to talk to people about our decision b/c they just don't get it or maybe they had concerns as well but went along with what the doctors said and didn't realize they had options.  The pressure from doctors can be overwhelming especially as parents for the first time.  (We almost gave in to the lecture a couple of times, but thankfully didn't.) 

When I had this crappy insurance with its subpar mainstream doctors I put my foot down at the first "well" baby visit (this was before I decided seeing pediatricians regularly is mainly worthless).

When the subject was broached I said that I'd done the research and wasn't interested in a debate. It was a good way to take the wind out of his sails, because he then lamely claimed that he vaccinated his own kids and didn't take any kickbacks for vaccinating (yet had plenty of Big Pharma paraphernalia strewn around the office: the usual coffee mugs, writing pads pens, etc. etc. featuring the current drugs à la mode. ).

[MommaSeaHorse]

Hhi mommas! So nice to meet you. There was this one evening where the topic of vaccinations was brought up and my SO had mentioned we didn't vaccinate and this lady went off on us. She was all like " well my son got it and he almost died! Blah blah the govt says there is no link to autism blah blah grow a f*ckin brain!" We didn't even know what to say we were pissed and juss like wow okay whatever.. Some people! So sad ya know. I always try to avoid the subject lol my mom I think would freak if she found out. But my mother in law is very supportive a.nd didn't vacciate all 5 ofher kid. Soo nice to meet you ladies! =)
Edited by MommaSeaHorse - 11/26/12 at 6:19pm

[MommaSeaHorse]

Oh and yes we have a doctor! Haha . She's actually beennice about but she doesn't agree n I can totally tell and I feel so uncomfortable ya know. I know I shouldn't complain, atleast she's seeing us!! The nurses give me this look, sumties grunt, its ridculous. I wish there were natuarl doctors that see child.ren

[emmy526]

How about a homeopath or naturpath? They see children.  

Originally Posted by MommaSeaHorse 

Oh and yes we have a doctor! Haha . She's actually beennice about but she doesn't agree n I can totally tell and I feel so uncomfortable ya know. I know I shouldn't complain, atleast she's seeing us!! The nurses give me this look, sumties grunt, its ridculous. I wish there were natuarl doctors that see child.ren

[sassyfirechick]

Welcome!  I was on the boarder of non-vax, did some with DD (2 &5mos) but after some nasty reactions we stopped, found a super awesome ND who is detoxing her now, and I'm happy to say we won't be vaxxing any further with her or at all with future kiddos.  Current pedi asks if we've changed our mind at each visit, I say no, we sign waiver, end of discussion. She used to get pushy until I started to push back and that stopped.  Yes, we do get the OMG reaction from the office staff if I have to cancel or reschedule bc 'oh no, you need to come in for shots!', and my IL's are not at all supportive, but at least they don't verbally announce it and it's just not up for discussion.  DH is ok with me making the decisions.  He hasn't done much research himself but he trusts me and does know first hand some adults who've had life altering dibilitating vax reactions and I think that scared him a bit. 

[MommaSeaHorse]

Originally Posted by emmy526 

How about a homeopath or naturpath? They see children.  

I have never heard of naturpath and I had no idea homeopaths saw children. I will definitely look into those. ...I think it definitely helps to have a support group because ppl can get so nasty out there! I can honestly say its such a treat to ppl you fellow non vaxing mommies!

[kathymuggle]

Hi!

I have 3 kids - 16, 13 and 10.  My oldest was vaxxed until 18 months (we stopped because I could not get answers to my questions, and it did not seem prudent to vaccinate a healthy baby when no one could prove to me it was a safe or necessary thing).  My middle is completely unvaxxed and my youngest had one vax. After a lot of research I decided she was a good candidate due to some health issues for one particular vax.  I am glad I did it - but the doctor was annoying!  She seemed to assume I would now begin slowly vaxxing (um, no, I and I was quite clear on this…).

I do find vaxxing issues get less consuming as children age.  Well child visit get spaced out or dropped, etc.  Eventually you will have to deal with schools and exemptions - but you have a long time to sort that out and in most places you can get an exemption.  

Here is a list of exemptions by state - if you live elsewhere, let us know, there are moms from around the world here.  We might be able to tell you our been-there, done-that experience with regard to vaccines.  

http://www.nvic.org/Vaccine-Laws/state-vaccine-requirements.aspx   

Edited by kathymuggle - 11/22/12 at 3:26pm

[HappyHappyMommy]

Hi All,

While this is a forum for support for those choosing not to vaccinate, please remember that we do not allow posts that criticize those who choose to vaccinate. Please edit any posts that criticize those making a different choice.

Thank you!
 

[kathymuggle]

Originally Posted by HappyHappyMommy 

While this is a forum for support for those choosing not to vaccinate, please remember that we do not allow posts that criticize those who choose to vaccinate. Please edit any posts that criticize those making a different choice.

I am a little lost.  Which posts?

[HappyHappyMommy]

Originally Posted by kathymuggle 

Originally Posted by HappyHappyMommy 

While this is a forum for support for those choosing not to vaccinate, please remember that we do not allow posts that criticize those who choose to vaccinate. Please edit any posts that criticize those making a different choice.

I am a little lost.  Which posts?

Hi All, I apologize for not being more clear. MommaSeahorse, can you please edit post #4? Your post implies (in saying you know what's really going on) that those who make a different choice don't know what's going on and we want to be respectful that others can make thoughtful choices different than our own. I also want to add that I'm very sorry for comments that were made to you and your SO about the choices that you made; it sounds like the woman was so disrespectful and it's absolutely fine to post about your experience, the challenge of know what to say in a situation like that, and to look for support from others with it.

[MommaSeaHorse]

I edited it. Didn't mean to critize ppl who do vaccinate. I have nothin against them

[Magiklife27]

We delayed vax till 6 mos then at that time we did 1 at a time for about 6 mos. Around 14mos I would 'forget' she had a vax appointment. Then I took her to get 1, which I shouldn't have done being pregnant and hormonal but she had a bad reaction to it-nothing permanant but hard to see as a momma to a kid that was perfectly fine hours before. So I since have not rescheduled her to get more and honestly don't plan on it for a while. Luckily our Ped is ok with what ever schedule I want to do.  Im due with DS in a few weeks and we will be turning down vax again with him. I had to tell the hospital like 10xs no Hep B with DD but I don't care. I will be doing it again this time.

[MommaSeaHorse]

Oh wow how scary lol i'd freak a little bit I'm so glad she's okay!! Congrats on your new little one! Oh goodness, when I had my LO the nurses were rude to me when vaccines were brought up. The dr who delivered my son came in and was nice about it but he was for vaccines but was respectful of our decision

[Magiklife27]

The nurses were ok- I just had to be sure to say it a ton of times. I also put it in my birth plan that I gave tot he Dr and Rns so they could read it also and not say they didn't know. Due to some of my own medical issues I am having a doula this time and she will help be sure all that they follow my requests this time too. I just feel a baby that is pure and minutes old does not need all the junk in vax in their systems

[chinyaray]

I will be giving birth to my third and have chosen to stop vaccinating my first two and not vaccinate our third at all.  There is a great community over on Facebook via Modern Alternative Mama.  Also, check out her website for tons of info: www.modernalternativemama.com 

[HappyHappyMommy]

Originally Posted by MommaSeaHorse 

I edited it. Didn't mean to critize ppl who do vaccinate. I have nothin against them

Thank you!

[maryp]

Hi! I have 3 kids (6, 7, 11) who are partially vaccinated. I stopped vaccinating about 2 years ago. Prior to this, my children all developed developmental delays. Older son was diagnosed with ADHD, Graphomotor Dsyfunction and Tourettes, and I decided enough was enough. I am shocked at the number of children with autism now, 2 kids on my block. I have done my research and decided not to continue vaccinating for fear that my kids were on the verge of autism.

I got two of my kids a religious exemption and that seems to be working. I also switched to a doctor who I found out is vaccine friendly. She's ok about it and can't do anything since I have the exemption. I wouldn't say she's against vaccines, she pushes slightly but respects my decision. My husband is behind me 100%.

My kids have been healthier than ever. They rarely get colds or anything. I also give them vitamins and supplements when I can.

[MommaSeaHorse]

Congrats on your newest LO!! Thank you for the link!