So I thought I was doing what was best for my child, but my Pediatrician made me feel like a neglectful mom! I went for Laurel’s 2 month visit when she is scheduled to have her first immunizations – a total of 8 vaccinations! After hours of reading about the possible links between vaccines and developmental disorders (see my post on the Vaccine Debate), I want an alternative vaccination schedule. I would like to postpone any vaccines until 6 months and limit the number of vaccines she receives each time to 2. I also want to eliminate some of them completely (such as Rotovirus & Chicken Pox) . Well, I shared this with her Pediatrician and he got angry with me. He basically told me that my daughter would die of a horrible disease if I messed with the schedule…that there is no real evidence that vaccines are harmful, just ordinary people trying to alter public opinion. I was then forced to sign a form that stated that I was refusing to vaccinate at this time and thus endangering my child! I’ve put a lot of thought into this decision and I am far from neglectful! I walked out of the appointment feeling awful and wanting to cry. Are there any Pediatricians out there that support an alternative schedule other than Dr. Sears? If anyone has any input on how to find a supportive doctor, please share. I refuse to be bullied into doing something that I don’t feel is in the best interest of my child.
Thank you for Reading!
Tela
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Tela,
I had the exact same issue with my first Pediatrician. Not only was I scolded for my vaccination choice (Noah started getting vaccinated at 6 mo. and only receives two shots at a time and is NOT receiving Hep B, Rotavirus and chickenpox) but also lectured me for trying to open up a dialogue regarding Noah sleeping on his stomach. I actually did cry when I left that appointment.
What I came to realize is that most doctors can not and will not, due to liability reasons, speak toward alternative parenting choices. It is up to us to make our best and most educated decisions for our children and to expect the worst when our doctors find out.
Best of luck
Mandy
That is so sad that your pediatrician made you feel that way. I agree with Mandy that they cannot agree with alternative ways because of liability issues, but they shouldn’t speak down to you. You are the mother and you know what is best for your baby.
You go Tela
Have you considered taking the girls to a family practitioner? The only reason I suggest it is because I have found they tend to be much, much, much more receptive to the desires/concerns of the parent. Not to mention you all can see the same doc. Peds can be a little overbearing if you’re not doing
what they think you should be doing. I absolutely love our doctor. It
was actually his idea to spread Julia’s vax’s out over a little longer
period of time so she has never gotten more than 2 at a visit.
Mary B. found an article very pertinent to this issue. It has some good information on questions you should ask your pediatrician…bottom line, you are the parent and know your child best…trust your instinct!
http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/family/11/14/ep.pediatricians/index.html