Ask The Doctor
ERGObaby carrier > Ask The Doctor > Immunizations > Vaccinations and well baby visits.Vaccinations and well baby visits.
Dear Dr. Markel,
I am very concerned about the number of vaccinations that are apparently disguised as “well baby visits” at the pediatrician’s office. I refused the Hepatitis B vaccine right after my son was born, and now I am faced with the prospect of so many vaccines in the first year, a majority of which did not exist when I was growing up, such as rotavirus, pneumococcal, varicella and Hepatitis A. Do I have the right to decline to have my baby used as a pincushion? What are the risks of deciding for or against these vaccines? What if my doctor in turn refuses to care for my baby?
Dear Well Mother,
We cannot wipe out every disease on the planet. Many parents feel that it may be more sensible to focus on strengthening our children's immune systems to deal with the increasing number of different "superbugs" created by inappropriate and massive use of antibiotics than to inject numerous foreign materials into their delicate, developing bodies. An increasing number of parents are not willing to accede to a point of view that goes against their core beliefs about health and wellness.
It is true that some pediatricians refuse to treat children when their parents object to vaccinations. In general, no matter what the issue, do not allow yourself to be intimidated and coerced by doctors. You have the right to select the kind of preventive health care that is appropriate for your family.
While state laws require that children receive the recommended immunizations prior to school entry, parents can sign a waiver stating that all or some of the vaccines have not been given because of medical, personal or religious reasons. It is not legal to interfere with the absolute right of parents to make decisions regarding vaccinations.
These days, parents are feeling very intimidated by advice of "experts" and are becoming overwhelmed and frightened. There is an irrational fear of infectious disease, as well as of fever. What are the alternatives? Keep you child healthy, and feel confident in your abilities to make sound decisions regarding your child's wellness. Promote the strength of your child's immune system, and avoid things that can weaken it. Breastfeeding is the best protection you can provide for your child! Continue for at least 12 months or longer if possible. The longer you breastfeed, the more your child will benefit. Breastfeeding prevents infections and the complications of childhood illness. Breastfed babies are immunized; children who are injected with viruses and bacteria are vaccinated. An endorsed campaign by the government to increase Americans' breastfeeding rate would prevent more childhood diseases -and deaths- than all of the vaccination programs currently endorsed.
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Dr. Susan Markel, MD, is a Board Certified Pediatrician, and Attachment Parenting Advisor. She is also the author of, "Ask The Doctor," in partnership with ERGObaby.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to visit her website at http://www.AttachmentParentingDoctor.com and request a private consultation.
