Vaccinations - In-laws Visiting, Etc.

Have you talked with your little one's Pedi about an alternative vaccination schedule? Or what the limits/issues might be with not vaccinating?

I have several friends who have done alternative schedule, which means leaving out some and spreading them out over time. Do you homework. I found that my son being a preemie would be at a greater risk if I skipped vaccines because of his delicate immune system, so I bit the bullet and did a semi-alternative schedule.

My friend has not changed her lifestyle or put her baby in a bubble. Just live your life healthy and be consicious of your choices. Make informed choices and you're little one will be okay.

I know what you mean and how you feel. WE want to do right, by our kids as best we can and with some of the news about vaccinations being scary it's tough to choose the right road. But, I would start with the Pedi and some research before your pick and choose. I was suprised how accomodating my son's doctor was once I expressed my concerns...he gave me so much information I couldn't believe he was a doctor!

I googled it and found some varying topics and sites...just some places to start reading and gathering data.

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/default.htm

http://www.healing-arts.org/children/vaccines/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaccines/HQ01629

Good Luck!

I agree with Deanna. Look at alternative schedules for vaccinations. I am in two different mom organizations and many have spread out the shots during the first year. As far as in-laws or any visitors make it a habit of asking them to wash their hands before they pick up your baby. Now that flu season is upon us I don't care how ridiculous someone thinks I am EVERYONE will be asked to wash their hands.

I have BEEN there and bought the soundtrack!

My MIL has very relaxed hygiene as well. I was extremely nervous when she came to visit our then 2 month old...
Bottom line, your priority is your child's health. Not their feelings...that being said, there are ways to "be nice" about it.
When they initially arrive immeidately usher them to a sink (with a smile and excitement) while saying, "hurry and wash-up so you can meet/see the baby!" Keep the smile, that way they think you're more excited about them meeting the baby as oppose to them being unclean.
Also - lightly bring up the subject of the vaccinations, etc... make sure to drop hints about what COULD happen if the baby were to get sick.
And be sure to strategically place hand sanitizer all over the house!!! This way, they can't forget!

My youngest son has not had any vaccinations (he's six) and we stopped my oldest after she had five year shots and my middle when before he had five year shots. They are in contact with other kids daily (they are homeschooled but we do scouts, Awana, Bible study, Sunday school, etc.). My only worry would be if we were to travel abroad. My nephew was fine until he got a double dose of MMR (wonderful doctors not keeping track) and now is autistic (can't tell me that didn't contribute) though high functioning. You didn't say where they were coming from so not sure how to advise you other than to tell them you'd like them to wash their hands before holding the baby, etc. and make a huge deal of washing your own beforehand so they get the picture that it's a normal thing to do. Hep. is from bodily fluids so you won't have to worry about that.

Hi Sandy,

I have three kids, 3, 4, and 7, and none of them are vaccinated. My husband got on board after taking a couple of seminars. Lauren Feder does a great one, and since she's an MD and a Homeopath, she makes it all very palatable to the skeptical.

The best thing you can do is breastfeed. That will give your baby the best chance at a strong immune system. Later, go easy on sugar and dairy. And get yourself a team of practitioners that share your philosophy so that you can have the team in place for when your child does get sick so that you have alternatives and treatment ready in the wings. I recommend Dr. Lauren Feder as a homeopath and MD, and Dr. Christine Anderson as a chiropracter.

Most importantly, do all of your research until you are comfortable with your decision. Good luck!

Whether or not to vaccinate is a parents' choice. I don't agree with mass-immunizations because they're not proven to be completely safe. It's like a mass-experimentation on children. While I do agree with you that vaccines are important because they have prevented so many unnecessary illnesses, I also believe that nothing replaces a mothers intuition. If you're not comfortable with it, there's no rush. At two and half months, your baby is not at high risk of contracting most of the diseases vaccines are meant to protect against anyways, unless a caregiver is infected. Diligent hand-washing is still a proven defense against spreading germs. Make it the rule in your home that anyone who holds the baby must first wash their hands and be sure to model this yourself. A good book about vaccines is What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Chidren's Vaccinations. Corny name, I know, but It's very imformative and gave me the confidence to choose for my children when and what vaccines they would get or forego. Best Wishes.

easy....

they don't wash their hands, they don't touch the baby - it's that simple! :-)

maybe demonstrate? ex: show them that even YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND wash your hands before touching the baby...? even if you don't "normally" do it, i think it may be setting a good example while they are visiting, so they don't feel like it's directed towards THEM, ya know?

Why don't you worry about what can happen to your child if he doesn't get the vaccinations he should when he should?
Why don't you worry about what will happen to so many children if more parents stop keeping their vaccinations done and at the right timing?
Why don't you study to get a Phd. in public health?
B. v. O.