**While I’m on my way to D.C. for the rally, please enjoy and give comment love to this guest post from Stephanie at Adventures in Babywearing.**
I remember many years ago when my middle son Carter was just a baby, a friend at church had told me she didn’t vaccinate her kids. She didn’t say why, and I’m not even sure why it was even brought up, but I remember feeling a little appalled. And I asked our pediatrician about it right away. I had never heard of not vaccinating. I didn’t know there was an option. And the doctor assured me in some way that what my friend was doing was wrong, and what I was doing was right. And I never thought about it again.
Until Carter had a horrible reaction after his 1 year shots. He was listless and vomiting and very sick. I asked the doctor if it could be from his vaccinations, since he had just had them that day, and I was assured that it most certainly was not. And I didn’t think about it again.
Months later our oldest son Noah began having unexplained seizures. It was a time where nothing made sense. Nothing. Not the seizures. Not what the doctors were suggesting or not suggesting. Not having our phone calls returned. Not having help. Not having answers. Not having a cure.
We had done a little research on our own, with little bits here and there feeding us just enough to survive. We had one son with seizures and no explanation and had no idea if it would happen to Carter. We found that if there was a seizure history in the family, that a child could be more susceptible to seizures with a vaccination. So right then we decided to pause vaccinations on both boys until we knew more.
Slowly, as we were still searching for answers to Noah’s increasing seizures- over 200 per day and now requiring him to wear a helmet- we found other families like us. With children having the same problems. The same strange seizures and symptoms. A common factor in all of our stories was vaccinations and time of vaccination. We gathered all of Noah’s vaccine records and found that some of his vaccines were manufactured back in 1999- before thimerosal was removed. We calculated how much mercury exposure he must have gotten and it was extremely high. 50 times as much as declared safe with the FDA.
Another parent with a child like Noah recommended David Kirby’s book Evidence Of Harm. I checked it out from the library and remember reading in shock, through tears, stories like ours. And I never ever thought about vaccinations in the same way again. I felt betrayed. I felt ashamed. Like I should have known better. But I had no idea. No one had ever talked to me about the possible dangers. I thought I was doing what was best for my child, but never once thought to research it on my own.
Thankfully my husband was on the exact same page as I was. This led us to much more research. If we weren’t going to vaccinate, what were our options? What happens if our child gets the measles? Could they go to school? We wanted to be armed with all the information we could find. It took a bit of re-training our minds to stop thinking we had to “obey” what the doctors said and we soon found how liberating it was to go out on our own and think for ourselves.
We switched to a pediatrician that would support our choice to not vaccinate. We continue to stay up to date on all the latest facts and studies about vaccinations and not just about the dangers of mercury, but the other harmful ingredients as well. We know myths from facts. It is not a decision we made lightly or out of fear. It is one of the most important decisions you may make for your children. We feel what we are doing is right for our family.
A helpful resource that we still turn to is Dr. Sherry Tenpenny’s DVD- Vaccines: The Risks, The Benefits, The Choices. This DVD has assured us what would realistically happen if we or our child were to get a certain disease and how to treat it. If you want to selectively vaccinate, this is also very helpful in deciding which vaccines are not necessary.
Of course after all the experience and knowledge we now have, I do not feel any vaccine is necessary. Even if a vaccine was all “greened up” and toxin free, I’d still not choose to vaccinate my child. But, for every child that will still be vaccinated, they deserve to have a toxin-free vaccination. Green those vaccines!
If you feel vaccinations are best for your child, then please consider delaying until your child is older, separating them, or selectively vaccinating. At least be armed with all the facts and base your decision on your own research. Asking your doctor simply is not enough. I learned that the hard way. Whatever you decide, do not choose this controversial topic to be the one you to which you say, “Ignorance is bliss.”
If you have questions about your state’s laws and attending school, you can find more information here.
Read more about what Stephanie has said in the past about vaccines here and Noah’s story here at Adventures In Babywearing. And read Ashlee’s story here at Mama’s Nest.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }
I cannot thank you enough for this Guest Post. Thank you for taking the time to share this story. It’s so important.
[Reply]
I am really loving learning about vaccines. I vaccinated Isabella blindly because I was unaware of the risks. Luckily, she is fine. I do want more children though, and I know that when I have them, I will be able to make educated decisions on vaccines. Thanks!
ps- Love the Neil Young reference!
[Reply]
I am really learning alot about vaccines. I vaccinated Isabella blindly because I was unaware of the risks. Luckily, she is fine. I do want more children though, and I know that when I have them, I will be able to make educated decisions on vaccines. Thanks!
ps- Love the Neil Young reference!
[Reply]
I vaccinated Isabella blindly because I was unaware of the risks. Luckily, she is fine. I do want more children though, and I know that when I have them, I will be able to make educated decisions on vaccines. Thanks!
ps- Love the Neil Young reference!
[Reply]
Thank you for this. I have had the kids vaccinated thus far, but due to recent studies I have just put off their 4 year and 2 year appointments. I don’t know what I am doing. Thank you for more info to help me sort it all out.
[Reply]
Thanks for this Stephanie. I’m thankful that you’ve been able to improve your children’s health
[Reply]
I can’t imagine how painful it must have been for you to watch Noah go through that. Thank you for sharing your story. Even if we are not yet at a point where the whole country is going to accept an upheaval of the current state of vaccinations, helping one mom at a time find the courage to stand up to the pediatrician (or break up with the pediatrician and find a new one) is a big accomplishment. We recently switched Suzi to a practice in which the doctors have agreed to stagger Suzi’s shots and selectively vaccinate. And it is liberating to decide for yourself what’s best for your own child!
[Reply]
Thank you for sharing this. I think I need to go to the library.
[Reply]
Great post. Very articulate and thoughtful.
I’m glad you thought to add that simply asking your doctor is NOT enough research.
[Reply]
Thank you for sharing. I thought that the vaccines were safe now that they had reduced the mercury. I definitely need to do some more research.
[Reply]
I think you’re doing a world of good by sharing this information. Although I’m aware of the big debate over vaccinations I’ve never taken the time to hear what all the fuss is about – on both sides. At the very least I think any responsible parent who reads this will give pause before scheduling the next well-check for their baby. I know I am going to read up on this issue more before we go in again.
Kudos girl. Well done.
[Reply]
It would be awful if a child who was not immunized contracted one if the horrible diseases that kids are vaccinated for. If the pioneers would have had shots for their kids just think if the lives that could have been saved.
I thank God that my children are protected from preventable disease.
[Reply]
I am struggling with these questions right now. We are holing off on vaccinating our 1 year old and our pediatrician is treating me like a silly fool.
[Reply]
Um…sorry for the 3 comments earlier. I kept getting an error message, so I clicked a couple extra times, not knowing it ever went through.
[Reply]
Thanks for sharing your story. We do not vaccinate for many reasons. I think the message needs to get out.
[Reply]
Once again, well said Stephanie!
[Reply]
I just wanted to pipe in the comments here and say that yes, it would be horrible if a child gets a disease he “could have been vaccinated for” – we all agree with that. But there is also absolutely no guarantee that a child vaccinated for that same disease won’t get it either.
Also, are you completely missing my story here and the countless other stories of the HORRIBLE things that have happened to our children *because* of vaccines? We don’t want ANY children suffering.
Stephanie
[Reply]
I had my kid get all his shots and now he’s okay thank goodness. I do worry but then I don’t want him getting a disease if he doesn’t get them. I dont know I need to read more on it!
[Reply]
You are so brave. Good luck in Washington (I’m not far from there and will be heading to the zoo sometime this week there, btw….email me if you have time to meet up).
Matthew had a reaction to the pertussis part of the DTP vaccine and got a fever of 103. They gave him the DTaP after that.
I’m so sorry about Noah…what a horrible thing for him, and for you, to have to endure.
[Reply]
Okay, duh….just realized it’s not you, Steph, who’s going to DC. *smacking forehead*
[Reply]
Thank you for the information. You have really planted the seed in the my head and I thank you.
[Reply]
Thanks for the resource suggestions. Now, I have somewhere to start. I just checked out Evidence of Harm and also Vaccine by Arthur Allen from the library. I want to make an informed decision whichever way I go and not just follow the crowd. I’ve never been one to do that. I’ve got the 1 year appointment coming at me and I want to be prepared. Thanks, Steph, for sharing your story.
[Reply]
Thanks for sharing your experience. I come from Singapore and have been wondering on whether or not, my kids should get vaccinated. Then again, I may have little choice because certain vaccinations are mandatory here in this country. Most parents I know have no clue about the harmful effects of vaccinations. They do not even question about safety issues, since they have already “accepted” subconsciously that vaccinations are necessary (which need not be the case).
[Reply]
Wanted to add to previous commenters: recent outbreaks of diseases like mumps and measles that got some press actually occurred among vaccinated people. Vaccinations are no guarantee of immunity.
Thank you so much for this post. I generally don’t share the fact that my kids aren’t vaccinated because people freak out, and I’d rather just let my kids have normal lives than be explaining everyone to everyone all the time. Some people have even said they wouldn’t let their kids play with mine, which makes no sense at all: if they’re kids are vaccinated and mine aren’t, aren’t mine the ones supposedly in danger, not theirs?
Our pediatrician told us that he was required by law to recommend vaccinations but that he himself believed they did more harm than good. He also told us that his unvaccinated patients NEVER came in sick.
My son is now 5, and has been sick three times, ever. And nothing worse than a cold each time.
[Reply]
Steph, Great post!
Luckily we homeschool and do not get so much pressure. The pressure is fierce!
Off to go Stumble your great article.
blessings, alli
[Reply]
Hi there, I found you froma link from keeperofthehome.org and I thank you for all the posts on vaccines. From our research and experience (with family), most vaccines do not incurr permanent immunity. My nephew just got over the mumps for which he had been vaccinated. The fear mongering the medical community does is amazing. The message is basically “your kid will die if he gets this disease and he isnt vaccinated.” What a load of bull! With advances in things like sanitation, personal hygene and clean water, these formerly deadly diseases are nothing more (or should be nothing more) than routine childhood illnesses.
[Reply]
Great article, thank you for sharing your experience with us.
I was talking to a military mom recently who moves a lot and so her children have entered new schools frequently. Her vaccine documents keep getting lost by the officials and the schools “require the documents to show her children are up to date” – without exception.
Despite her repeated attempts to tell them they have had their round of shots, the schools use their power to persuade this mom to go through not one…but 3 ROUNDS OF SHOTS.
Because of a flawed belief in this country that vaccines are “safe” why would she or the school officials ever question the safety of vaccines, after all, they have saved us right??
Her son, after 3 rounds of shots, is now on the spectrum. What a tragedy.
Is this not a total violation and invasion if our bodies? Our rights as mothers?
We have a MAJOR problem here! Thank god for all the mothers who are sharing their stories. We will succeed.
[Reply]
Found you through Metropolitan Mama. Great post and very infomative. I’ve always been nervous about vaccinations and have had them administered to my kids one at a time (instead of three and five shots together). But still, each shot scared me. It’s good to have as much information as you can get, and it sounds like there are a lot of great resrources out there. It is heartbreaking to hear the negative side affects that can happen.
[Reply]
Wow, what a helpful and wonderful post! My son is turning 1 this week and vaccines have been on our minds a lot. Thank you much for this advice.
[Reply]
This is such a polarizing topic. Thank you for having the courage to share your story and the links for information. My daughter was in the NICU for her first 3 months. We resisted the doctor’s constant pushing for vaccinations until she was bigger, stronger and out of the hospital. Looking back, I can’t believe how much pressure and judgment we got from doctors. We did vaccinate her until she reached 1 year. By then, I had done a ton of reading and investigating (and thankfully my husband was on board) and we made the decision not to vaccinate further. My daughter had been constantly sick, and I started seeing connections with more severe sickness (especially vomiting and fussiness) soon after vaccinations (she was getting RSV shots each month through flu season). When we stopped her vaccination schedule, she became a different girl – happy & energetic with no vomiting and diarrhea. We are so glad we made the choice that we made, but just wish we wouldn’t have given in to the pressure for that first year. I hope that posts like yours help parents realize that they do have a choice, and that they are encouraged to investigate all the information out there before making their choice.
http://psychmamma.wordpress.com
[Reply]
Steph, this is a insightful and thought-provoking article. Thanks for sharing about how you came to your decision.
It’s such a scary topic with so many conflicting viewpoints and I think that the more people that talk about this, the more likely that more research will be done on the topic. Thank you.
[Reply]
Be careful with statistics. Just because you found a group of people with sick children who all had vaccinations does not in any way mean the vaccinations caused the problems. I can gather a HUGE group of well children who all had vaccinations at the same age.
I respect your right to make a decision for your family. I’m glad vaccinations are out there. And science can point you to a control group of people who never had vaccinations and who died as a result of the disease. Think polio. Think smallpox.
[Reply]
With my first child, we got all vaccinations on schedule without question because I knew no other way or options. With my second child 2 1/2 years later I staggered them a bit and refused a couple that I thought were completely unneccessary (like rotavirus). Now, I think I would stagger even more and refuse even more. The more we know, well, the more we know. You know? Thanks for an informative and thoughtful post.
[Reply]
I’m so sorry that you have had to deal with these problems with your son. It is amazing to me how many people are choosing not to immunize these days. It is also extremely scary. To me it is so simple. Look back 10, 20, 30 years ago when chicken pox, whooping cough, rubella, polio, etc. were prevelant and many people were debilitated or died from these diseases. Most of the diseases that we vaccinate for are just not seen any more (remember when you were a kid and everyone got the chickenpox). Unfortunately we are starting to see more of these diseases again because people are choosing not to vaccinate, and that puts everyone at risk. It is true that there are risks with immunizations, just like anything else. But, the benefits FAR outway the risks. So many lives have been saved by immunizations and if we’re not careful, we will be seeing a lot of outbreaks again.
[Reply]
Great post. Absolutely. We delayed vaccinations for this very reason – I just don’t see vaccinating a child before the age of 3 for any reason whatsoever.
If our children had not gone into public school I doubt we would have vaccinated at all.
Surprisingly enough, there are more and more doctors moving to this line of thought.
[Reply]
Two words: Herd Immunity. Vs herd mentality.
I totally get the decision not to immunize when your child (or children) has/had severe reaction to vaccines. However, paranoia is very easy to spread and I’m just afraid to say quite a few people, unlike yourself, will only go as far as this post in the way of research and assurance to forgo vaccination because after all, nobody wants to go through what you and Noah did. Most people just don’t have the time or inclination to dig further.
Granted herd immunity in itself may be a flawed theory based on the very fact that the vaccinations themselves are flawed (or we would not need require a “herd” for them to work), until we (as in the human race) can successfully evolve to become NATURALLY immune to these diseases (think Will Smith in I am Legend) – and in order to do so, be willing to let millions die in the process – we cannot do away or advocate an anti-vac stance or the unfortunate circumstance of herd immunity.
People are different but most do not react severely to vacs. I submit that parents should adopt a stance of vaccinate with caution, watch the signs, rather than to start with not vaccinating and hoping for the best.
Remember – your kids grow up into adults who will wish to go places and do things and a vaccination like polio from when they were babies could’ve come in handy. Vaccines like HPV have an age limit as well – a friend of mine found out she had the virus when she was 30, too late for the vac.
Anyway, that’s my two cents. Thanks for starting the conversation.
[Reply]
Встраиваемая бытовая техника, духовые шкафы, холодильники, варочные поверхности, стиральные машины, малая бытовая техника.
[Reply]