The past few years, I have dreaded the well-visit at the pediatrician. I have been researching vaccines, their effectiveness, injuries, risks vs. benefits. I have come to my own personal conclusion that vaccines are not as safe as they have been made out to be, that they are bringing out chronic illnesses very rarely before seen in children, that they DO have a relationship with autism (see this post), and that the normal childhood illnesses we prevent with certain vaccines actually have health benefits to the immune system. I also know that through homeopathy, if they contract one of these illnesses, I can treat their symptoms and help their bodies naturally overcome the illness. This is something western medicine cannot promise, which is why vaccines are so strongly forced.
This year my visit to the pediatrician was different. Luckily, my office is very kind and open, and doesn’t judge your decision. They do ask why you choose not to vaccinate, which opened the door to discussion. I explained my reasons, and she told me that it was my decision. I then had to sign a waiver stating I knew the risks of not vaccinating (which I REALLY wanted to change the wording to “I know the risks of vaccinating my children, and choose not to”) and that was it.
I know the position parents are in, the fear of contracting diseases, the pressure received from doctors, other parents, and our families. It is hard to go against the grain of society. I know this first-hand. It has taken me these past three years to be bold enough to talk about it. I started this blog over a year ago, and while I wanted to post my findings, I was nervous about it. Now, I feel that if I can give all the information I have, it is up to those reading it to investigate my findings for themselves and make a wise choice for their family. No judgement on my part.
I know the position the doctors are in, that they were trained this way, and that they probably have no clue what homeopathy really is, so I know we are coming from two different places. I am thankful that they showed respect to me as a parent to make the best decision I can for my own family. Hopefully through dialog with parents they may start to take us seriously and investigate vaccinations more on their own, read the vaccine inserts themselves, and push for changes in our vaccination methods.
Shared with: Time Warp Wife, Works for Me Wednesday, and Women Living Well.
Glad you were respected at your doctor’s office! We’ve decided not to have certain vaccinations given to our daughter and I’ve been worrying about defending myself at the office when the time comes.
Kristen @ Trial and Error Homemaking
My suggestion is to be armed with knowledge! You can’t argue with the facts!
Unfortunately, even the pediatrician that my family members recommended as not pushing vaccines DID argue with me. He told me no one had ever died. I know of 2 children here in town who DID die after receiving their vaccines.
You are very blessed that your office did not push you further!