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I dont really agree with immunizations. Am I crazy? And what are some alternatives?

Kim - posted on 05/05/2009 ( 358 moms have responded )

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Donna - posted on 05/09/2009

Quoting Jenifer:

Ally, hope you don't mind, but I have a question about your post: I've seen the assertion over and over that the MMR vaccine doesn't provide life-long immunity, but all the immunology research I've read indicates the immunity is quite long-lasting.

Hello~

I am living proof that the MMR can wear off- I have 3 daughters while I was pg with #2- #1 was just a baby too and getting her shots, well my ob told me not to get her MMR because they had done a test on me and I know longer had a immunity to it ( which I had all my shots as a child, my Dad was in the military and we traveled overseas with me) and if she got her shot she would be contagious for a short time and I could catch it and make me and baby #2 sick....

Needless to say it made me rethink shots and do some reading and after #2 had her second bout of shots at 4 mo, we choice not to do it anymore so #3 has only had one and that is her Tentins shot which all three of them got when we got horse about 5 yrs ago.. they are now 18, 17 and 14 and besides chicken pox they have never really been sick with anything that you can get a shot for- I have a friends who child had mesles at 6 mo and got it from a child who had just had her MMR shot..

So yes they can wear off~and more children then I think most people relize live happy healthy lives with out every having any- I know lots of them....

Donna - posted on 05/09/2009

Quoting Jenifer:

Ally, hope you don't mind, but I have a question about your post: I've seen the assertion over and over that the MMR vaccine doesn't provide life-long immunity, but all the immunology research I've read indicates the immunity is quite long-lasting.

Hello~

So yes they can wear off~and more children then I think most people relize live happy healthy lives with out every having any- I know lots of them....

Donna - posted on 05/09/2009

Quoting Jenifer:

Ally, hope you don't mind, but I have a question about your post: I've seen the assertion over and over that the MMR vaccine doesn't provide life-long immunity, but all the immunology research I've read indicates the immunity is quite long-lasting.

Hello~

So yes they can wear off~and more children then I think most people relize live happy healthy lives with out every having any- I know lots of them....

Kristen - posted on 05/09/2009

omg! thank you.... when i had my daughter the doctors and nurses were really mean to me. I feel like god created us with what we need to live. So even in the hospital i didnt want vitamin k and the eye goop.... and the pedia. said he wouldnt see my daughter as a patient because it wasnt in there best interest. vaccines on the other hand... have not been out very long...and are always changing...in 88 there was a big change in vaccine and thats when autism started being linked. Although there are alot of catching things you dont want your child to pick up....because they can be deadly...the problem is: it takes 10 years before researchers discover the negative effects of vaccines on children... and once changed... it takes 10 more yeas to see whats wrong with that new one. Also sadly... doctors just do what they are told... they dont know the long term effects eithor... and they use scare tactics.... which suck because you want to trust them... vaccines are a tough subject

Kristen - posted on 05/09/2009

Shawna - posted on 05/09/2009

i completly agree! i have talked with my daughters pediatrision, (SP?) and we came up with an alternative solution, we are going to start seperating her shots. (she goes back in when she is 1 for "live injections") So instead of them doing the MMR, they are going to do the M than a month later the other M than anothre month later the R and so on'

Amanda - posted on 05/09/2009

as a matter of fact yes... I do question everything my doctor tells me. I question every medication my doctor prescribes. I refuse to put my life of my childs life blindly in the hands of someone else. I am responsible for the well being of my child, therefore I take resposibility for her medical care!!!

Alice - posted on 05/09/2009

In my opinion, you are absolutely WRONG not to immunize your kids! If you love them, get them immunized! I am old enough to remember outbreaks of diseases we rarely see now that killed children. The only reason we don't see them is because of immunizations. Polio outbreaks still occur among non-immunized populations. Even chicken pox used to kill many children a year. You can not depend upon those around you giving the herd immunity that is necessary. Get your kids the protection they need, please, for everyone's sake.

Mary - posted on 05/09/2009

I do not think you are crazy, I have vaccinated my daughter but it think is great that you are asking questions, I think that is the responsible thing to do when you are a parent, educate yourself, ask questions if you don't feel completely comfortable about something, do research and weigh the options. I have seen many posts here that come from people that have done the research and know what they are talking about, but others that are just completely ridiculus. So definetly do not believe everything you are told.

Erika - posted on 05/09/2009

Quoting Ally:

If you were told that by your childs doctor I would seriously consider switching pediatricians! The vaccine that contains the whooping cough component is one of the most stressed for infants because they are so vulnerable to it. It is even recommended that anyone who is around small children (ie babysitters grandparents ect) get the adult version of this shot to protect the babies. As a mom and a nurse who has chosen to selectively vaccinate ..this is not one I was comfortable skipping since whooping cough is still a very current problem. It is not given by itself but the pertussis component is found in the immunization known as DTaP. (diptheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis)

You don't even become immune to pertussis if you catch it in the wild... what makes you think a vaccine is going to make you immune?

Kimberly - posted on 05/09/2009

I have two daughters a 4.5 year old and a 1 year old. They are what I consider healthy little girls. My oldest has had 5 ear infections, strep throat, and broncitis....all while attending a large daycare. My youngest has had one mild ear infection and did not take antibiotics for it. So to say children that have their vaccinces seem to be unhealthy, that is a false statement. A child getting sick is not linked to vaccines it is an enviromental thing. I have severe seasonal allergies....my husband none. My oldest daughter gets eczema, treated by keeping her skin moisterized....my youngest doesn't.

My daughter is hearing impaired....almost completely deaf.....a side effect from some vaccines.....however, she did not become deaf from a vaccine. I think that the parents on both sides of the issue need to think about things. Yes, vaccines prevent diseases that could harm/kill your child. Yes, there are side effects to the vaccines...some serious side effects that include death (even though it is very rare). Yes, vaccines are not 100% effective, however they do lessen the effects of the VIRUS the catch. Yes, it is true that the unvaccinated could out number the vaccinated and cause an epidemic, but you can treat the SYMPTOMS of the VIRUSES!

Both my daughters are vaccinated, up to date. My oldest has also had a menegitis vaccine for an upcoming surgery. But I guess I could have risked her getting a serious disease and dying from it....or I could give it to her and be a little more confident about her surgery.

Kerri - posted on 05/09/2009

Please get your child vaccinated. Ask your doctor to spread them out. It will make you more comfortable. The Dr. Sears book is a good reference.

Frances - posted on 05/09/2009

Hi Kim My name is Frances i have an 18 month old son he is all up to date with shots and he is very heathy and if i were you i will get your childs shots it will protect them from alot of diseses that are out there Please Take The Advice

Amber - posted on 05/09/2009

Quoting Amber:

Quoting Erika:

Quoting Amber:

Quoting Emily:

Quoting April:

Quoting Chastity:

You are not crazy!!! I work in a holistic health office and I have learned a lot about, I am expecting my first child in about 49 days & I will not give my child anything not even the eye drops, vit K... there is soo much info out there about it if you research it!!!

I am just curious as to why you are going this route? is there a holistic alternative to the vit K?? Do you know why that is given? It is because babies do not have the clotting factors when they are born and without the vit K are prone to hemorrhaging.

I didnt give Vitamik K either. First of all, it is not proven that hemorrhagic disease of the newborn is caused by Vitamin K deficiency although I will admit that VIt. K does arrest the bleeding in a majority of cases but this doesn't mean that Vitamin K deficiency causes HDN. Doctors also don't know which levels of Vitamin K are actually prophylactic. Since I had no risk factors for it, I decided as the odds were about 1 in 20,000 for HDN even among those with high risk factors (preterm birth, complicated delivery, surgery such as circumcision, I hadn't taken antiboitics, anticonvulsants etc during pregnancy. So, it may not be the most popular choice but I felt that in our case it made sense not to do it.

If you must admit that vitamin K "does arrest bleed in the majority of cases" why wouldn't you get it? Sure it worked out for you, but that's not always the case. What reason is there to fear the vitamin K? You do understand that eventually your child will have it in their body, and that it's helpful not harmful. I am confused as to why you wouldn't want your child to be given that boost?

Why not give Vitamin K at birth? Hm... maybe because, according to Merck, the manufacturer, it can "cause fatalities"? In fact, the package insert specifically states:

"WARNINGS

Benzyl alcohol as a preservative in Bacteriostatic Sodium Chloride Injection has been associated with toxicity in newborns. ... "

Don't believe me? Here's the package insert, read it for yourself!

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2003/...

In addition, there have been studies linking Vitamin K at birth to leukemia.

More info:

http://adventuresinautism.blogspot.com/2...

There ARE natural alternatives to vitamin K prophylaxis, if you really think you need it for peace-of-mind. I chose not to use any vitamin K supp at all, as HDN is extremely rare, and I was not in the "high risk" category. Also, if the mother's diet consists of plenty of vitamin k (leafy greens such as kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts and even alfalfa supplements) vitamin K will be transferred to the baby through her breastmilk.

Birth With Love carries a natural oral vitamin k here:

http://www.birthwithlove.com/categories/...(Vit+K+1+)Oral+Vit+K

I absolutely believe you. I'm sure you'd be terrified to know that many drugs have the possiblity of leading to a fatality. Often due to dosage or adminstration errors. I must admit it is a leap of faith to allow someone else to give any drug to your child. But as a parent shouldn't you find healthcare providers you can trust? A lot of things in life can lead to death, an unfortunate reality of being human. You make it sound as though if you give vitamin K at birth your baby will die. Which is not likely. It's given thousands of times a day in hospitals across the country to babies that do not die from it. It's far more likely that an infant could die of complications due to hemorrhaging after not receiving vitamin K. In fact, just in case you were wondering ALL vitamins, especially fat soluble vitamins can be fatal in cases of overdose. Even those cute little flinstone vitamins for kids that you can buy over the counter. I'm sure if your kids have some you're tossing them into the trash right now! By the way "toxicity" means overdose, it doesn't really sound like you understand!

Amber - posted on 05/09/2009

Quoting Erika:

Quoting Amber:

Quoting Emily:

Quoting April:

Quoting Chastity:

You are not crazy!!! I work in a holistic health office and I have learned a lot about, I am expecting my first child in about 49 days & I will not give my child anything not even the eye drops, vit K... there is soo much info out there about it if you research it!!!

I am just curious as to why you are going this route? is there a holistic alternative to the vit K?? Do you know why that is given? It is because babies do not have the clotting factors when they are born and without the vit K are prone to hemorrhaging.

I didnt give Vitamik K either. First of all, it is not proven that hemorrhagic disease of the newborn is caused by Vitamin K deficiency although I will admit that VIt. K does arrest the bleeding in a majority of cases but this doesn't mean that Vitamin K deficiency causes HDN. Doctors also don't know which levels of Vitamin K are actually prophylactic. Since I had no risk factors for it, I decided as the odds were about 1 in 20,000 for HDN even among those with high risk factors (preterm birth, complicated delivery, surgery such as circumcision, I hadn't taken antiboitics, anticonvulsants etc during pregnancy. So, it may not be the most popular choice but I felt that in our case it made sense not to do it.

If you must admit that vitamin K "does arrest bleed in the majority of cases" why wouldn't you get it? Sure it worked out for you, but that's not always the case. What reason is there to fear the vitamin K? You do understand that eventually your child will have it in their body, and that it's helpful not harmful. I am confused as to why you wouldn't want your child to be given that boost?

Why not give Vitamin K at birth? Hm... maybe because, according to Merck, the manufacturer, it can "cause fatalities"? In fact, the package insert specifically states:

"WARNINGS

Benzyl alcohol as a preservative in Bacteriostatic Sodium Chloride Injection has been associated with toxicity in newborns. ... "

Don't believe me? Here's the package insert, read it for yourself!

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2003/...

In addition, there have been studies linking Vitamin K at birth to leukemia.

More info:

http://adventuresinautism.blogspot.com/2...

There ARE natural alternatives to vitamin K prophylaxis, if you really think you need it for peace-of-mind. I chose not to use any vitamin K supp at all, as HDN is extremely rare, and I was not in the "high risk" category. Also, if the mother's diet consists of plenty of vitamin k (leafy greens such as kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts and even alfalfa supplements) vitamin K will be transferred to the baby through her breastmilk.

Birth With Love carries a natural oral vitamin k here:

http://www.birthwithlove.com/categories/...(Vit+K+1+)Oral+Vit+K

I absolutely believe you. I'm sure you'd be terrified to know that many drugs have the possiblity of leading to a fatality. Often due to dosage or adminstration errors. I must admit it is a leap of faith to allow someone else to give any drug to your child. But as a parent shouldn't you find healthcare providers you can trust? A lot of things in life can lead to death, an unfortunate reality of being human. You make it sound as though if you give vitamin K at birth your baby will die. Which is not likely. It's given thousands of times a day in hospitals across the country to babies that do not die from it. It's far more likely that an infant could die of complications due to hemorrhaging after not receiving vitamin K. In fact, just in case you were wondering ALL vitamins, especially fat soluble vitamins can be fatal in cases of overdose. Even those cute little flinstone vitamins for kids that you can buy over the counter. I'm sure if your kids have some you're tossing them into the trash right now!

Amber - posted on 05/09/2009

Quoting Emily:

Quoting Amber:

Quoting Emily:

Quoting April:

Quoting Chastity:

You are not crazy!!! I work in a holistic health office and I have learned a lot about, I am expecting my first child in about 49 days & I will not give my child anything not even the eye drops, vit K... there is soo much info out there about it if you research it!!!

I am just curious as to why you are going this route? is there a holistic alternative to the vit K?? Do you know why that is given? It is because babies do not have the clotting factors when they are born and without the vit K are prone to hemorrhaging.

I didnt give Vitamik K either. First of all, it is not proven that hemorrhagic disease of the newborn is caused by Vitamin K deficiency although I will admit that VIt. K does arrest the bleeding in a majority of cases but this doesn't mean that Vitamin K deficiency causes HDN. Doctors also don't know which levels of Vitamin K are actually prophylactic. Since I had no risk factors for it, I decided as the odds were about 1 in 20,000 for HDN even among those with high risk factors (preterm birth, complicated delivery, surgery such as circumcision, I hadn't taken antiboitics, anticonvulsants etc during pregnancy. So, it may not be the most popular choice but I felt that in our case it made sense not to do it.

If you must admit that vitamin K "does arrest bleed in the majority of cases" why wouldn't you get it? Sure it worked out for you, but that's not always the case. What reason is there to fear the vitamin K? You do understand that eventually your child will have it in their body, and that it's helpful not harmful. I am confused as to why you wouldn't want your child to be given that boost?

Of course I understand that! My research was prompted by the fact that my midwife did not offer it, and she told me that she did not administer it. In the end I decided that it wasn't worth switching providers so that I could have access to it, there were a lot of other reasons to keep on board with someone with whom I felt comfortable. Had I developed risk factors, I may have decided to take the baby to a doctor for an injection, but I didn't. Also, my children are a bit older, and when I had them the link between vit K and leukemia had not yet been disproved. If I had no risk factors, and incredibly low chance of having a baby with HDN and the possible risk of leukemia from a prophylactic measure that was not actually needed for me it made sense not to do it. Just because Vitamin K sotps bleeding doesn't mean that bleeding is caused by lack of Vitamin K. If i were to have another baby, I would go into it with an open mind and not choose not to simply because I made that decision in the past and my kids were fine. Each situation is different and all drugs have evolved.

I understand that bleeding is not caused by a lack of vitamin K. I am a pediatirc nurse so I understand a great deal about the subject. I just don't understand the growing popularity of dissmissing modern medicine. I read posts on this website about no vaccines and skipping out on the vitamin K and wonder why so many will strap a leash on ttheir child like a dog to "protect" them but won't take health precautions to protect those same children. Don't get me wrong I see parents getting their children over vaccinated everyday and I'm not in favor of that either. I believe in doing research to rule what your child should or should not have. But a newborn does have to have HDN to have bleeding issues. And all people need the vitamin for the production of certain clotting factors. Your midwife not offering it, in my opinion seems an odd factor to include in the decision making process. And a link between vitamin K and leukemia seems unlikely as well, since again all people have and need vitamin K in their bodies.

Sharon - posted on 05/09/2009

this decision can only be made by you. you need to research the topic as much as you can before you decide, not just looking at immunisation but also at the effect of the desease. Measles can cause brain damage, deafness and blindness. This does happen ! I work with people who have learning difficulties caused by childhood desease. Do your research and think carefully.

Michelle - posted on 05/09/2009

I understand the concern about immunizations but the risk of a reaction is much less than the risk of them getting very ill from not being immunized.Even worse is the risk that when a child is older and hasn't been immunized , they may get measles and be fine but because babies aren't immunized for measles untill they are 12 months , that child may get another one fatally ill.

Jennifer - posted on 05/09/2009

It's better to be protected then have your child almost die from the a disease such as chicken pox...a little girl not having her shots was rushed to the hospital because her legs were so swollen with fluid she couldn't walk or move and was in emergency for 2 two days!!!! She was only 4!!! So many think daycare is where they get everything when the truth is the shopping carts handles carries the most germs and diseases, not to mention all the germs in the Dr's office alone!!! I would highly reccommend doing alot more research that has been SCIENTIFICALLY proven than what you hear or read in an everyday magazine!!

Stacey - posted on 05/09/2009

hi i dont think ur crazzy at all i am in the same boat as u on this one and im just replyin bak to ask if u find any alternitves plz let me know.

Morag - posted on 05/09/2009

304

Quoting Erika:

Quoting Morag:

I would...but I'm not anti vaccines, so its not really a good example... Actually there is technically a vaccine against cancer... cervical cancer...and my daughter will be getting it at 14 without a doubt. I am pretty sure she will be having sex at some point in her adult life so her risk factor to contract the illness is high, which could then lead to her getting cervical cancer. Breastfeeding and not smoking reduces cancer risks though and thats been proven yet not all parents/people choose to breastfeed or to quit smoking so you'll probably find most people wouldn't choose this vaccination if they are antivaccines.

YIKES!!! Girls are becoming paralyzed and even dropping deal from Gardasil (the cervical cancer vaccine). I sincerely hope you decide to do more research on that one vaccine alone before you allow her to receive it. You need to know the facts about the vaccine, you really, really do. In fact, even though I AM anti-vaccine, I would tell any parent that if you're going to vaccinate, Gardasil is the ONE vaccine you need to investigate, bar none. Here's a few links for you:

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-can...

http://www.wxyz.com/content/news/health/...

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/9592...

http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/natura...

I could give you tons more links like this, but I'll stop there for now... just please, research before you agree to let your daughters (or sons, since Merck is now targeting boys since they haven't made the $ they intended to with our daughters).

30% of women in Spain have HPV. In one of those articles you posted it states:

"Still, the risk is extremely low: 26 in 10 million in the first two weeks and 30 in 10 million in the first six weeks after vaccination. That compares to 5 in 10 million odds in the general population, Souayah says." this is from one of your links.

I know that I risk a tiny proportion of her getting sick from the vaccine...but she also has a higher risk of contracting HPV.

For example: If you knew 110% that your child would be mixing with children who have Hepb or Meningitis for example, and you could give your child something to protect them from that either fully or reduce the severity of the illness, would you still choose not to give that to your child? I know if I knew 110% that my child would end up getting sick from having any vaccinations, I'd be a bad parent to expose my child to those sort of risks.

Lets take another example: Everytime you get into the car for something frilvilrous like, buying some new clothes etc, you put your child at risk of dying in a car accident. The incidences of death by car accidents is significantly higher than incidents of death from virus' and vaccinations, even if you are a very safe driver, as its the other people on the road you need to worry about. Why do you take those risks with your childs life??? You don't want to so you try and minimise those risks by using a good car seat, being a safe driver, but still you expose your child to the possibility of death by your choices.

That is life as a parent.

This argument about vaccines, its just playing russian roulette with your childs life. If you give them the vaccines you play the game of them having an adverse reaction, if you don't you risk them getting a virus that could kill them or other people. Remember, we all play the game as parents and BOTH sides WILL loose at some point and those poor parents pay the highest price...the death of their beloved child...and no matter what they chose they will feel eternally guilty. Hindsight is a wonderful thing that nobody seems to have.

What I specifically dislike, is this militant attitude towards people who choose to vaccinate. Its as distasteful as the breast is best brigade. I can list 1000's of websites (not to mention recent 100% proven information that formula contain traces of rocket fuel and take China for example) that can show you that by feeding formula to your child you expose them to unnecessary health risks. Yet formula is still on the market and parents still use it. But Breastfeeding doesn't mean your children will never get diabetes or never get cancer....its about %'s and as parents we weigh up those % and make a decision based on that.

An anecdote for you:

My eldest contracted menigitis B and rota virus when she was 9 months old. Cross infection rota virus from the baby in the other room. Vaccines didn't exist back then, but if they had I'd have had them done in a heartbeat. I was very upset this time when I couldn't get my youngest vaccinated for Rota virus and meng.b... cradling your dying child in your arms, praying to whatever god would listen to spare her life and take yours, you'd know why it upset me so much, and why having lived through that horror, I advocate vaccines to prevent anyone going through that. Yes my daughter survived, just... but that was because my mum was a nurse and knew what was happening and we got help fast. The reprecussions of her illnesses though effected her life for years after... However... If she had been the victim of an adverse reaction to those vaccines, obviously my attitudes would be completely different.

Do not critize parents decisions for weighing up % and finding that for them the risks of the opposite are greater and more worrying to them than to you. Unless you walk a mile in someones shoes, live their lives in their worlds, you can never say whether their decisions are wrong and that they should reconsider.

Morag - posted on 05/09/2009

304

Quoting Erika:

Quoting Morag:

I would...but I'm not anti vaccines, so its not really a good example... Actually there is technically a vaccine against cancer... cervical cancer...and my daughter will be getting it at 14 without a doubt. I am pretty sure she will be having sex at some point in her adult life so her risk factor to contract the illness is high, which could then lead to her getting cervical cancer. Breastfeeding and not smoking reduces cancer risks though and thats been proven yet not all parents/people choose to breastfeed or to quit smoking so you'll probably find most people wouldn't choose this vaccination if they are antivaccines.

YIKES!!! Girls are becoming paralyzed and even dropping deal from Gardasil (the cervical cancer vaccine). I sincerely hope you decide to do more research on that one vaccine alone before you allow her to receive it. You need to know the facts about the vaccine, you really, really do. In fact, even though I AM anti-vaccine, I would tell any parent that if you're going to vaccinate, Gardasil is the ONE vaccine you need to investigate, bar none. Here's a few links for you:

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-can...

http://www.wxyz.com/content/news/health/...

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/9592...

http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/natura...

I could give you tons more links like this, but I'll stop there for now... just please, research before you agree to let your daughters (or sons, since Merck is now targeting boys since they haven't made the $ they intended to with our daughters).

30% of women in Spain have HPV. In one of those articles you posted it states:

I know that I risk a tiny proportion of her getting sick from the vaccine...but she also has a higher risk of contracting HPV.

That is life as a parent.

An anecdote for you:

Erika - posted on 05/08/2009

Quoting Amber:

Quoting Emily:

Quoting April:

Quoting Chastity:

You are not crazy!!! I work in a holistic health office and I have learned a lot about, I am expecting my first child in about 49 days & I will not give my child anything not even the eye drops, vit K... there is soo much info out there about it if you research it!!!

I am just curious as to why you are going this route? is there a holistic alternative to the vit K?? Do you know why that is given? It is because babies do not have the clotting factors when they are born and without the vit K are prone to hemorrhaging.

I didnt give Vitamik K either. First of all, it is not proven that hemorrhagic disease of the newborn is caused by Vitamin K deficiency although I will admit that VIt. K does arrest the bleeding in a majority of cases but this doesn't mean that Vitamin K deficiency causes HDN. Doctors also don't know which levels of Vitamin K are actually prophylactic. Since I had no risk factors for it, I decided as the odds were about 1 in 20,000 for HDN even among those with high risk factors (preterm birth, complicated delivery, surgery such as circumcision, I hadn't taken antiboitics, anticonvulsants etc during pregnancy. So, it may not be the most popular choice but I felt that in our case it made sense not to do it.

If you must admit that vitamin K "does arrest bleed in the majority of cases" why wouldn't you get it? Sure it worked out for you, but that's not always the case. What reason is there to fear the vitamin K? You do understand that eventually your child will have it in their body, and that it's helpful not harmful. I am confused as to why you wouldn't want your child to be given that boost?

Why not give Vitamin K at birth? Hm... maybe because, according to Merck, the manufacturer, it can "cause fatalities"? In fact, the package insert specifically states:

"WARNINGS

Benzyl alcohol as a preservative in Bacteriostatic Sodium Chloride Injection has been associated with toxicity in newborns. ... "

Don't believe me? Here's the package insert, read it for yourself!

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2003/...

In addition, there have been studies linking Vitamin K at birth to leukemia.

More info:

http://adventuresinautism.blogspot.com/2...

There ARE natural alternatives to vitamin K prophylaxis, if you really think you need it for peace-of-mind. I chose not to use any vitamin K supp at all, as HDN is extremely rare, and I was not in the "high risk" category. Also, if the mother's diet consists of plenty of vitamin k (leafy greens such as kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts and even alfalfa supplements) vitamin K will be transferred to the baby through her breastmilk.

Birth With Love carries a natural oral vitamin k here:

http://www.birthwithlove.com/categories/...(Vit+K+1+)Oral+Vit+K

Erika - posted on 05/08/2009

Quoting Chastity:

Unfortunately I will be birthing in a hospital. My husband is not open to a home birth. He was born 2 months premature and had open heart surgery at birth, so I understand his concerns. He is however agreeable with all of my other decisions on the wellness of our child...And you are soo right the media & government along with the pharmaceutical companies put a huge clause on this topic... when which is soo funny look at all the statistics & money being made behind it all...

Chastity,

Even though you're having a hospital birth, I HIGHLY recommend HypnoBirthing. I had two hypnobirths with NO pain, NO drugs, etc... fast labors, too. I know it's because I was relaxed and not in a state of fear. Check it out, it goes right along with your (our) whole belief system! :)

http://www.hypnobirthing.com

PS: My chiro is my best friend! ;)

Erika - posted on 05/08/2009

Quoting Chastity:

Unfortunately I will be birthing in a hospital. My husband is not open to a home birth. He was born 2 months premature and had open heart surgery at birth, so I understand his concerns. He is however agreeable with all of my other decisions on the wellness of our child...And you are soo right the media & government along with the pharmaceutical companies put a huge clause on this topic... when which is soo funny look at all the statistics & money being made behind it all...

Chastity,

http://www.hypnobirthing.com

PS: My chiro is my best friend! ;)

Erika - posted on 05/08/2009

Quoting Erika:

YIKES!!! Girls are becoming paralyzed and even dropping deal from Gardasil (the cervical cancer vaccine). I sincerely hope you decide to do more research on that one vaccine alone before you allow her to receive it. You need to know the facts about the vaccine, you really, really do. In fact, even though I AM anti-vaccine, I would tell any parent that if you're going to vaccinate, Gardasil is the ONE vaccine you need to investigate, bar none. Here's a few links for you:

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-can...

http://www.wxyz.com/content/news/health/...

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/9592...

http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/natura...

I could give you tons more links like this, but I'll stop there for now... just please, research before you agree to let your daughters (or sons, since Merck is now targeting boys since they haven't made the $ they intended to with our daughters).

Okay, I can't spell... that should be DEAD, as in girls are DYING from the Gardasil shot.

Erika - posted on 05/08/2009

Quoting Chastity:

Speaking of fevers... your bodies temperature rises when its is fighting off an infection. The fever is the bodies innate communication to fight the infection... when treated by Tylenol or antibiotics it blocks your bodies innate balance to heal itself...

This is 100% the truth. Tylenol and antibiotics (translation: "anti life") are poison, nothing more. Here's a great article from Mothering Magazine that explains the wonderful benefits of fever. NEVER, NEVER suppres your child's fever!

http://www.mothering.com/articles/growin...

Katie - posted on 05/08/2009

My 9 month old isn't vaccinated by leathel injections!!!!!! and she definaty will not be getting shots at 1 year. it doesn't make a difference. she is so happy and healthy now so why put something foriegn in her body after a year. that will just mess her around. we are doing the homeopathic alternative. it's a 7 year program with which i give her natural tablets each month with the oils to fight off diseases in them. They help to improve her immune system. just remember INVESTIGATE BEFORE YOU VACCINATE. go and check out the community called unvaccinated kids. some of the anwsers i'm reading on this topic are absolute bullshit and its obvious that some mothers don't know what they are talking about. the laws are different here in Australia. kim mcdougal you are wrong!!! the children who arn't vaccinated are at serious risk from being around vaccinated kids becasue your children have the live virus in them. Unvaccinated babies have a much stronger immune system. so how bout get your facts right first hey!!!!! last thing, please check out www.thinktwice.com...... it's worth it...

Katie - posted on 05/08/2009

Erika - posted on 05/08/2009

Quoting Morag:

I would...but I'm not anti vaccines, so its not really a good example... Actually there is technically a vaccine against cancer... cervical cancer...and my daughter will be getting it at 14 without a doubt. I am pretty sure she will be having sex at some point in her adult life so her risk factor to contract the illness is high, which could then lead to her getting cervical cancer. Breastfeeding and not smoking reduces cancer risks though and thats been proven yet not all parents/people choose to breastfeed or to quit smoking so you'll probably find most people wouldn't choose this vaccination if they are antivaccines.

YIKES!!! Girls are becoming paralyzed and even dropping deal from Gardasil (the cervical cancer vaccine). I sincerely hope you decide to do more research on that one vaccine alone before you allow her to receive it. You need to know the facts about the vaccine, you really, really do. In fact, even though I AM anti-vaccine, I would tell any parent that if you're going to vaccinate, Gardasil is the ONE vaccine you need to investigate, bar none. Here's a few links for you:

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-can...

http://www.wxyz.com/content/news/health/...

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/9592...

http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/natura...

I could give you tons more links like this, but I'll stop there for now... just please, research before you agree to let your daughters (or sons, since Merck is now targeting boys since they haven't made the $ they intended to with our daughters).

Ana - posted on 05/08/2009

well, as far as I know, there is no "law" that says that you have to vaccinate your child. It is purely your choice, and I applaud you for having the courage to ask this question. It is a personal decision and a very hard one. My daughter is very healthy, healthier than any other kid I know and she has only had a few vaccines, mainly before I really freaked out and decided to wait. It is a very tough debate and I hope someday our over medicated pharmaceutical happy society will wake up and see the truth.

Doris - posted on 05/08/2009

The alternative is to not vax. Learn all you can about the vax's (i.e. ingredients) and that will most likely make you more likely to not vax. Then learn about the diseases that once were normal childhood diseases and ways to take care of you child if they do get sick. Good nutrition is huge in keeping your child healthy. Learn about your state laws and the exemptions allowed, yes, every state has exemptions for daycare's and schools.

Esther - posted on 05/08/2009

3,511

Quoting Katie:

If it scares you like it does me, to those nasty people out there that say "if you don't immunize, then my kid is at risk", I say, "no they aren't. Your kid is immunized.

Some vaccines wear off and need to be repeated over time, and some kids have not received all their vaccinations yet because they are too young. The more kids go unvaccinated, the greater the chances of some disease making a come-back and infecting those kids.

Esther - posted on 05/08/2009

3,511

Personally I think not immunizing your kids is highly irresponsible. I know there are a lot of scare stories out there about vaccines but they come from mostly questionable sources as far as I'm concerned. There may be sid-effects to vaccines (just as there are to any kind of drug out there, but that has never stopped me from taking an aspirine) but the risks of not vaccinating FAR outweigh the risks of letting your children have their shots. And when you do not immunize your child, you are not only putting them at risk, but my baby too!

Katie - posted on 05/08/2009

Ultimately it's your choice. No matter what anyone says, it's up to you. I highly reccommed the book "What your doctor may not tell you about Children's Vaccinations". It outlines a safer way to get the shot while lowering the chance of any side effects. Don't let people make you feel stupid. Just educate yourself and ignore what doesn't work for you. If it scares you like it does me, to those nasty people out there that say "if you don't immunize, then my kid is at risk", I say, "no they aren't. Your kid is immunized. And would I rather your kid get the chicken pox rather than my kid end up autistic, yep. Chicken pox goes away."

Good luck with your decision...you're going to get flack from it no matter what you choose, so know what you want and educate yourself on the pros and cons so you will have something to say back to those people who don't agree with your choice, whatever it is.

;) Good luck to you.

Sande - posted on 05/08/2009

Your child your choice, I personally have chosen not to immunise as my youngest boy had a severe reaction to the pertussis and ended up in hospital for a week, I was lucky he has not had any long term effects. I did plenty of research after that and found that immunisation is not as necessary as we are told, , research the illnesses and there symptoms then you can detect an illness very quickly and get the approriate medicine and care. There are homeopathic alternatives available, with better statistical percentages than the conventional immunisations. Isaac Golden in Australia is one of the most knowledgable in this field, google him to find out more information. Please know that un-immunised children can not get immunised children sick, that is the whole point of immunisation, and again your child, your choice, good luck with whatever your decision.