Well, this poll was sure anticlimactic. Tune in this week for a poll/discussion on: circumcision; throwing your own baby shower; gay marriage; transgender bathroom bills; government grants for pregnant women; modesty in the delivery room; United Airlines; Betsy Devoss; Feminism and all things politics. Love y'all, now don't disappoint me.
Lets add in eating your placenta because omg the gifs!
@lovesclimbing I have to say that in my experience on TB, knowing many will jump on them isn't enough to deter anti-vaxxers. Quite frankly it isn't enough to deter many with strong opinions on controversial topics from chiming in. On my last BMB, 1 or 2 anti-vaxxers were more than eager to jump right in and take on the overwhelming amount of those in favor of vaccines. I know a couple of anti-vaxxers IRL and they are beyond opinionated about the subject and almost seem to look for a fight. Some subjects are just hot buttons and if people feel passionately enough they will state their opinion regardless of what anyone else thinks.
I also have to say that vaccines shouldn't be a choice because of the implications for other members of the community. When my children are too young to receive vaccines or had a medical delay (eg my daughter has an egg allergy so we had to hold on a couple of vaccines early on), it bothers me that other parents are putting my LOs at risk. Also, some members of our community rely on herd immunity due to their own medical issues.
@lovesclimbing I have to say that in my experience on TB, knowing many will jump on them isn't enough to deter anti-vaxxers. Quite frankly it isn't enough to deter many with strong opinions on controversial topics from chiming in. On my last BMB, 1 or 2 anti-vaxxers were more than eager to jump right in and take on the overwhelming amount of those in favor of vaccines. I know a couple of anti-vaxxers IRL and they are beyond opinionated about the subject and almost seem to look for a fight. Some subjects are just hot buttons and if people feel passionately enough they will state their opinion regardless of what anyone else thinks.
I also have to say that vaccines shouldn't be a choice because of the implications for other members of the community. When my children are too young to receive vaccines or had a medical delay (eg my daughter has an egg allergy so we had to hold on a couple of vaccines early on), it bothers me that other parents are putting my LOs at risk. Also, some members of our community rely on herd immunity due to their own medical issues.
I disagree with the choice to not vaccinate your kids. I have friends and family members who have chosen not to, but I don't get in arguments with them about why they're wrong even though I think they are. But at the end of the day, it's their choice, and I'm glad we live in a free country where we don't have medical procedures forced on us.
There has also been precedence where children been forced to get life saving treatment, but that's really not the point. I can understand why you don't get into arguments; they really don't "change" people's mind and its hard to reason with people that are unreasonable. I have a really hard time with the anti-vaxxers because their choice can directly affect the health of my family. They are making choices, that don't even necessarily impact their health, but that of a child that cannot make their own decisions.
At the end of the day, these people are making ridiculous decisions based on nonsense that are affecting both their children and mine, so I don't think they should get a pass.
ETA: I am a slow bumper, and pretty much echoing @Elyse1384
100% @Elyse1384! If your personal choice can land my child, or any child, in the hospital then it shouldn't be a personal choice. Especially when so many seem to not care about the harm it could cause to children who aren't theirs.
But at the end of the day, it's their choice, and I'm glad we live in a free country where we don't have medical procedures forced on us.
Ok sure, it's a free Country, but someone is going to end up paying the price for that personal "choice". That someone might very well be a newborn baby who doesn't have all their vaccinations yet. But 'Murica right?
I don't think it should be mandatory. I think parents should just fricking do it. If it starts becoming a law, that could get out of hand on what the govt makes us do.
I, however, do believe you have to have them to go to school, with the exception of medical reasons. I don't think you should get a religious or philosophical pass. Do it or homeschool.
I'm late to the party but I'm team give me all the vaccines too.
I do think there needs to be more research on guardisil. (Or I need more info) That one makes me a little nervous as does cervical cancer. But I haven't talked to our Ped or done any research myself so I'm not saying we won't do it . Just that I've seen controversy on the news and would like more info. The stuff I've heard could also be all fake hype. I admit I really haven't looked into it since it was after my teens/early 20s and DD is only 4. Anyone else have research on that one? Throw some science my way!
Baby's getting all vaccinations. I'm currently trying to get my H and his parents to stop dragging their feet and get the Tdap booster because I'm not playing around with whooping cough. They seem to think it's a suggestion and not a requirement.
I am just happy that my state requires students to have all their vaccinations within the first 30 days of kindergarten or they can't come back. Yes, I am vaccinated but I would not want to teach in all that mess.
Me: 34 DH: 35 Married: July 2009 BFP: November 2012 after 2 years of TTC DS born August 2013 Diagnosed with PCOS April 2016 3 months of trigger shot with timed intercourse BFN x3 First IUI: 9/17/16 BFP: 9/30/16 EDD: 6/11/17
Ugh, I hope you can get them to get it soon @meilay. DS and I both got whooping cough when he was 6 months old and it was terrible. And we were vaccinated (well, DS was partially vaccinated, anyway).
100% @Elyse1384! If your personal choice can land my child, or any child, in the hospital then it shouldn't be a personal choice. Especially when so many seem to not care about the harm it could cause to children who aren't theirs.
Yes to this, but it's not just children. Immuno-compromised adults, too.
I became especially passionate about the importance of vaccinations after my father had a bone marrow transplant. All of his immunity was wiped out, and then he had to go through all the regular childhood vaccinations again - once he was strong enough/waited long enough after the transplant. The idea that he could survive leukemia and a bone marrow transplant, and then contract a preventable disease because someone is free to choose ignorance for their child, just doesn't sit right with me.
Whooping Cough related: do any of you ask/suggest/tell baby's grandparents (or other frequent visitors) to get the Tdap booster?
Husband and I both got it. But all of the grandparents will be visiting within the 1st month. I want baby to be safe but also not sure of how to approach the whole "by the way go get a shot" convo without seemingly like an overly paranoid FTM.
@kitty21436 I'm completely fine being the "paranoid" FTM so I just told the grandparents they need to get it. I asked nicely at first, and my mom got hers right away with no questions. The ILs are being another story so I sent some info from the CDC and made it clear this was a recommendation from my medical professional that I planned to follow. I'll be moving to "get the shot or you don't hold her and I'm not shitting you" convo soon. I told DH I was taking this approach and he's fine, but this also depends on your relationship with the grandparents. I'm close enough to them that I can be a little rude and they'll still love me. Lol.
DH has already gotten his tdap and I mentioned it to my mom and she said she would get it so I assume my dad will too. I'll have DH talk to his parents about it. I think they will be the only ones who come to see her more often than once or twice in her first few months.
Also, I didn't even think to ask the ped if they require all patients to be vaccinated! I'll have to check on that.
Whooping Cough related: do any of you ask/suggest/tell baby's grandparents (or other frequent visitors) to get the Tdap booster?
Husband and I both got it. But all of the grandparents will be visiting within the 1st month. I want baby to be safe but also not sure of how to approach the whole "by the way go get a shot" convo without seemingly like an overly paranoid FTM.
Any suggestions/past experiences?
You just toss out a random FB post saying "Anyone planning on visiting baby in the 1st year of her life should plan on getting the Whooping Cough vaccine soon! *wink wink* *nudge nudge*
@kitty21436 I have just had to be ok with being seen as a paranoid mom. Dd was the ninth grandchild on dd's side, but we are the first to ask those grandparents to get the tdap. My dad is a pediatrician and totally on board, so he and my mom and my grandmother get theirs without us even bringing it up. Dh's parents probably thought it was stupid, but I don't care. It is the first of many times I have had to assert my rights as the parent with choices they may or may not agree with: no kisses on the face, wash your hands, no screens for babies, no food or water before six months, etc. (Not saying everyone needs to make these same choices or that they are as important or straightforward as vaccines, just examples that apply to me). Imo it's better to get used to asserting yourself early and communicating unapologetically about it. I think we said something like, "Because the baby can't be immunized immediately, and because pertussis is very dangerous for newborns, the aap recommends that everyone who will be spending significant time with the baby get a tdap booster. We'd like you to get it so that you can safely spend time with her." If they push back, I'd go with, "You can research it yourself for your own comfort, obviously, but we are not planning on having anyone who doesn't have this protection be around the baby until he is old enough to be immunized himself. This is very important to us." If they think it is crazy that's on them.
Our parents didnt question it when it came up. My FIL cannot get it bc of an allergy to one of the components so obviously he didnt get it. This just furthers strengthens the herd immunity aspect for us.
@kitty21436 I told all the grandparents that when we were talking to my OB about vaccinations, it came up that they should all get the TDAP too. (So I positioned it as doctor advice vs my own paranoia - which it was.) They were all totally fine with it.
Well, this poll was sure anticlimactic. Tune in this week for a poll/discussion on: circumcision; throwing your own baby shower; gay marriage; transgender bathroom bills; government grants for pregnant women; modesty in the delivery room; United Airlines; Betsy Devoss; Feminism and all things politics. Love y'all, now don't disappoint me.
Funny story: our friends had a baby and we made plans to go see her. Well the parents called us a day before the scheduled get together, and asked if we were all up to date with our vaccines. We all were expect my DH and I didn't get our flu shot so they asked us not to come over (we kind of knew it was coming since they asked other friends not to come) Ok no biggie. Your kid, your home, I'm totally cool with that.
Fast forward a week and they posted a pic of them at a restaurant with baby and the menu in the baby's mouth, with some "witty" comment about kid already having good taste?? Wtf??
@kitty21436. Both sets of grandparents got the tdap and the flu shot. It was recommended by our OB.
Me: 34 DH: 35 Married: July 2009 BFP: November 2012 after 2 years of TTC DS born August 2013 Diagnosed with PCOS April 2016 3 months of trigger shot with timed intercourse BFN x3 First IUI: 9/17/16 BFP: 9/30/16 EDD: 6/11/17
@kitty21436 I just sent a text after giving them an appointment update saying that my doctor recommended the booster for grandparents while I was there, and they were fine with it
Give my baby all the mercury and other big pharma conspiracy theory gunk. (Im looking at you, mom...) I'm not f'ing around with polio or any other preventable disease. Yay science!
Baby's getting all vaccinations. I'm currently trying to get my H and his parents to stop dragging their feet and get the Tdap booster because I'm not playing around with whooping cough. They seem to think it's a suggestion and not a requirement.
I told my MIL what my OB told me... "Anyone who is going to be around the LO on a regular basis NEEDS to get the tDap shot." She literally lives 3 buildings over in our apartment complex so she knew what I was getting at, and will be getting it next week. I'm with you on the not playing around with whooping cough train!
Definitely getting vaccines, because I believe in scientific research. Fact is, there is much more evidence in favor of vaccines than against them. So it's a no brainer for me and my family.
***BFP & Child Warning***
Me: 34, DH: 38 ~ TTC since 2014 IUI #1-3 (Nov 2015, Feb 2016, May 2016) = BFNs IVF ER (July 2016) = 7 PGS normal embryos FET #1 (Sept 2016) = BFP! DD born 5/30/17 FET #2 (April 2019) = BFN FET #3 (July 2019) = BFP! DS born 3/27/20
I'll confess that DH is a conspiracy theorist and doesn't believe in vaccines, he believes they caused our DD's seizures, however, the seizures were managed with medication, so I'd take that over Whooping Cough any day. Vaccines are non-negotiable for me. I gave him the option to talk with our pedi and discuss his concerns and he hasn't made the time to do it, so they'll continue to get vaccinated.
I also don't force anyone to get Tdap or other shots in order to visit LO. We're going to be out in public, so they're likely going to be exposed in the general public. I get mine and that's really all I can do.
DD has all of the vaccines through her 18 month appointment. She did have a bad reaction to the 4 month ones, causing her to have a high fever for a few hours and vomit up the Tylenol we were trying to manage it with, so I may try to move one of the 4 month shots to the 6 month appointment for this LO (as I recall there were less shots at the 6 month appointment than there were at 4 months), but I don't know. It really wasn't a big deal, we just give her pre-emptive Tylenol now about 3-4 hours after her vaccines, and she hasn't had another incident. Our Pediatrician won't accept anti-vaxxer clients. It will allow a slightly modified schedule as long as all children are fully vaccinated by a certain age (I want to say 4 or 5 but I don't remember what the age is because it doesn't apply to me). DD's daycare also requires vaccinations, and we have to bring evidence that they've been done every year.
DH had his tDAP before our honeymoon in 2014, and then DD was born in 2015 and this LO 2017 so he's still covered from that. We did ask the people who were going to be staying with us for long periods of time (DH's parents, and my mom, sister, and BIL) to get their boosters too. You can just go into a CVS MinuteClinic and get it, it's not hard. Since they all did it in 2015 they should still be good to go this time around. At least we're not having flu season babies; then I'd probably insist on flu shots too, just to be safe. For any other visitors, we just got a few large containers of anti-bacterial gel and left them around the house. DD's immune system has been Aces, she's been in daycare since she was 12 weeks old and has only had two one-day stomach bugs and one case of pink eye. Meanwhile there have been kids in her class getting all sorts of crazy stuff. I hope this LO is the same way. My immune system is great but DH gets sick just from looking at a sick person basically, so it's going to be a toss up. He literally got strep last year and blamed it on DD even though she never had it, because someone in her daycare class had it. I don't think that's how it works. I think he just touched something in the classroom when he dropped her off one day and got it that way, but whatever.
Yes to all of the vaccines. I think that there shouldn't be any personal belief or religious exemptions for public schools. To me your rights end when it puts someone else's life at risk. Teaching medically complex/fragile kids solidified my opinion on that. Plus you never know which kid I should going home to a house with an immunocopromised person.
Oh whatever I don't even care that I'll probably get flamed. My super unpopular opinion? A baby doesn't need to be vaccinated against ALL THE THINGS OMG. Does an infant really need a Hep B vaccine? How many of you had a Hep B vaccine? Ya know, seeing as it wasn't a thing babies got when most of us were born. When I went to nursing school the school suggested that I, and the other students, get the Hep B vaccine since we almost certainly didn't have it already and even if we had it as infants we wouldn't still be covered by it. But about half the class didn't get it because let's be honest: unless you make a habit of sticking yourself with dirty needles or something it's very unlikely you'll contract Hep B. The "at risk" populations in America are IV drug users and somehow I doubt my infant will be out using IV drugs.
My opinion on vaccines such as Hep B would, of course, be different if there were a legitamate concern of exposure. For example if the mother is Hep B positive it would make sense to vaccinate the baby. Same with any other caregiver who would be having regular contact with the baby. Sure the risk of transmission is still fairly low but that point it's probably worth getting the vaccine. I'd even say it's likely worth it if you know baby will need to be in the hospital for a prolonged period of time since mistakes happen and baby would be exposed to a lot more people and needles and such in a hospital setting. But a baby who is going home in a day or two to a family where no one has Hep B? Probably not really worth worrying about.
And sure there is the mindset on vaccines of "why not?" "Sure baby doesn't need this vaccine and has practically no chance of contracting this disease but... why not?" And if that's how you feel then go for it because sure, why not. But does baby need the vaccine against Hep B in most circumstances? I'd argue no.
Also, don't get me wrong: I'm not anti-vaccine in general. I believe there are some vaccines 100% worth getting. And I plan to vaccinate my baby with most of the things. Just not all the things. And when baby is a bit older and not so sensitive to medications and such I may feel differently about the "why not?" vaccines. But I don't like the idea of vaccinating because of a "why not?" rationale when babies are so young and so delicate. Baby can't wear sunscreen yet but he can be vaccinated against a disease he has a <1% chance of catching? That doesn't make sense to me.
So yeah. I plan to vaccinate baby with the TDAP, MMR and whatever else. Those are important and worth exposing my baby to whatever may or may not be in vaccines. Conspiracy theories aside I think we can all agree the vaccines aren't just whatever dead strains and saline and nothing else. And that isn't to say "oh there must surely be something in there that causes Autism!" It's just to say that there are other things in there and while they're safer than say, measles, does that mean those things are 100% safe for all babies? Probably not. There is practically nothing in the world that's 100% safe for everyone. I would assume that holds true for whatever may, or may not, be in vaccines.
Things have been super tame around here. You're all welcome.
Me: 28 Husband: 31 TTC#1: January 2015- September 2016 Infertility, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Rainbow baby born June 6, 2017 ❤️
@NamelessAria I just can't believe that half of your nursing school class didn't get the hep B vaccine. Of course no one goes around making a habit of sticking themselves with dirty needles, but accidents and needlesticks happen a lot. I'm just surprised because I don't know many other nurses that refuse any vaccine unless they can't get the flu shot for a particular reason. Completely off the baby vaccine topic, but as a nurse that really surprised me. I have seen quite a few accidental needlesticks.
@NamelessAria In my circle (myself included), the decision to vaccinate is a "what if" rather than a "why not" attitude; particularly in the case of the Hep B vaccine. Here is why....
With an increase in parents electing to not vaccinate or electing to selectively vaccinate, the likelihood of my LO being exposed to a preventable disease such as Hep B increases. I consider myself fortunate to live in a melting pot; an area of the country where we have higher levels of foreign born citizens (my own family included). As such, a higher % could be from areas where Hep B is more prevalent and I don't know their vaccination status anymore than the vaccination status of those born in a country such as the US with a lower incidence rate for certain diseases. My children have been bite victims at daycare more times than I care to count. And oh yes... this even happened in the infant room! An older baby preparing to transition out and into the toddler room bit my then 6 month old daughter and broke the skin by her eye! WTAF! How does one even bite there and how does one bite so hard at such a young age with what? Maybe 4 teeth? Well it happened. What if that child wasn't vaccinated and carried a disease such as Hep B that could be transmitted to my daughter? What then if we hadn't vaccinated DD? While I will agree that we give many vaccines earlier than historically given to the general population rather than just high risk individuals, the problem I see is that so many parents have a lackadaisical attitude about vaccines and in turn could cause unnecessary harm to my child. So yes, I vaccinate early. Not because I like the idea or because "why not", but because "what if". Even if the likelihood of exposure is low, I don't feel the risk outweighs the reward. Particularly not as a working mother relying on daycare - a VERY public setting for a baby when it comes to germs and exposure risks.
@MKRLTX Yeah. I will add this caveat to that part of what I said: I do believe part of them not getting it was the ideological mindset of a student like "Oh I'm going to be super careful and I'm not going to be one of those nurses who accidentally sticks myself!" And some of them may have realized down the line that needle sticks aren't that uncommon because mistakes happen especially when you're tired or super busy, at which point they may have changed their mind about the vaccine. I don't know because I didn't stay in touch with most of them.
I admit I had that ideological mindset that I wouldn't be the person accidentally sticking myself with needles until I accidentally did it a time or two and then I reconsidered. But either way I do think a lot of adults aren't vaccinated against Hep B and for the average person with virtually no risk of getting it, it's probably totally fine.
@Elyse1384 If you live in an area with a lot of Hep B cases then yeah I can see why you feel differently. I don't. The prevalence of Hep B where I live is <1% and that's including high risk populations. So I just really don't believe that my infant will be exposed. If I lived in an area where I felt there was a decent chance of exposure I'd likely feel the way you feel. I mean, I did say that infants in situations where exposure is likely are a different things entirely in my mind. So I stand by my opinion that my baby in an area with virtually no Hep B cases doesn't need to be vaccinated at birth unless he'll need to be in the hospital for awhile or something. BUT I'm also not someone who believing in pushing "anti-vax" opinions on other people. If someone wants to vaccinate their child then I get it. I do. And I think everyone has to do what they believe is best for their baby. I just happen to believe something a bit different in regard to a very select few vaccines such as Hep B. ETA: I'll also say that part of how I feel likely stems from the fact that I'll be a SAHM and my baby will have precious little exposure, early on, with others. And I don't know how I'll feel about some of the more "why not?" vaccines when baby is a bit older and will be around more people. And, of course, if baby ends up needing Hep B to go to school that would be a reason to do it. Those are issues I'll deal with as they come up. I'm overwhelmed enough by everything I have to consider for the newborn stage right now and I'm not trying to make decisions about how I'll handle things years from now.
Me: 28 Husband: 31 TTC#1: January 2015- September 2016 Infertility, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Rainbow baby born June 6, 2017 ❤️
@NamelessAria did you ever consider that HEP B is under 1% in your area because people vaccinate against it? Imagine everyone saying what you are saying and stop vaccinating and then 1 person gets it. Back to square 1.
When your argument includes an actual ingredient list and the known dangers and not just "extra stuff!" It isn't a legitimate argument. It's a conspiracy theory.
@Wino0920 We can agree to disagree. I don't see it as a conspiracy theory because everyone knows there is "extra stuff" unless you're really saying vaccines are ONLY whatever dead strain of whatever virus/bacteria and nothing else. If you're saying there is anything else in there then there is "extra stuff." Sure that "extra stuff" might be harmless. But it's still "extra stuff." So no, not a conspiracy.
But if you want to vaccinate your children with all the things you do you. I'm not out to change anyone's mind. I just figured this would be far more interesting with at least one different opinion.
Me: 28 Husband: 31 TTC#1: January 2015- September 2016 Infertility, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Rainbow baby born June 6, 2017 ❤️
My uncle died from complications of Hep B before the age of 65. He contracted it in the 70's, lived with it for a very long time, but the liver damage became too severe and died 6 years ago. My cousins and his wife miss him dearly.
Re: POTD: Vaccinations
I also have to say that vaccines shouldn't be a choice because of the implications for other members of the community. When my children are too young to receive vaccines or had a medical delay (eg my daughter has an egg allergy so we had to hold on a couple of vaccines early on), it bothers me that other parents are putting my LOs at risk. Also, some members of our community rely on herd immunity due to their own medical issues.
At the end of the day, these people are making ridiculous decisions based on nonsense that are affecting both their children and mine, so I don't think they should get a pass.
ETA: I am a slow bumper, and pretty much echoing @Elyse1384
I, however, do believe you have to have them to go to school, with the exception of medical reasons. I don't think you should get a religious or philosophical pass. Do it or homeschool.
I do think there needs to be more research on guardisil. (Or I need more info) That one makes me a little nervous as does cervical cancer. But I haven't talked to our Ped or done any research myself so I'm not saying we won't do it . Just that I've seen controversy on the news and would like more info. The stuff I've heard could also be all fake hype. I admit I really haven't looked into it since it was after my teens/early 20s and DD is only 4. Anyone else have research on that one? Throw some science my way!
Me: 34 DH: 35
Married: July 2009
BFP: November 2012 after 2 years of TTC DS born August 2013
Diagnosed with PCOS April 2016
3 months of trigger shot with timed intercourse BFN x3
First IUI: 9/17/16 BFP: 9/30/16 EDD: 6/11/17
I became especially passionate about the importance of vaccinations after my father had a bone marrow transplant. All of his immunity was wiped out, and then he had to go through all the regular childhood vaccinations again - once he was strong enough/waited long enough after the transplant.
The idea that he could survive leukemia and a bone marrow transplant, and then contract a preventable disease because someone is free to choose ignorance for their child, just doesn't sit right with me.
Husband and I both got it. But all of the grandparents will be visiting within the 1st month. I want baby to be safe but also not sure of how to approach the whole "by the way go get a shot" convo without seemingly like an overly paranoid FTM.
Any suggestions/past experiences?
Also, I didn't even think to ask the ped if they require all patients to be vaccinated! I'll have to check on that.
And yes, we will be vaccinating our kids.
Me: 29 DH: 35
Married: 9/29/12
DS #1: 3/8/15Fast forward a week and they posted a pic of them at a restaurant with baby and the menu in the baby's mouth, with some "witty" comment about kid already having good taste?? Wtf??
Me: 34 DH: 35
Married: July 2009
BFP: November 2012 after 2 years of TTC DS born August 2013
Diagnosed with PCOS April 2016
3 months of trigger shot with timed intercourse BFN x3
First IUI: 9/17/16 BFP: 9/30/16 EDD: 6/11/17
https://howdovaccinescauseautism.com/
I was at a lunch the other day where a friend and I decided to "agree to disagree" on this one.
Me: 34, DH: 38 ~ TTC since 2014
IUI #1-3 (Nov 2015, Feb 2016, May 2016) = BFNs
IVF ER (July 2016) = 7 PGS normal embryos
FET #1 (Sept 2016) = BFP! DD born 5/30/17
FET #2 (April 2019) = BFN
FET #3 (July 2019) = BFP! DS born 3/27/20
I also don't force anyone to get Tdap or other shots in order to visit LO. We're going to be out in public, so they're likely going to be exposed in the general public. I get mine and that's really all I can do.
DD has all of the vaccines through her 18 month appointment. She did have a bad reaction to the 4 month ones, causing her to have a high fever for a few hours and vomit up the Tylenol we were trying to manage it with, so I may try to move one of the 4 month shots to the 6 month appointment for this LO (as I recall there were less shots at the 6 month appointment than there were at 4 months), but I don't know. It really wasn't a big deal, we just give her pre-emptive Tylenol now about 3-4 hours after her vaccines, and she hasn't had another incident. Our Pediatrician won't accept anti-vaxxer clients. It will allow a slightly modified schedule as long as all children are fully vaccinated by a certain age (I want to say 4 or 5 but I don't remember what the age is because it doesn't apply to me). DD's daycare also requires vaccinations, and we have to bring evidence that they've been done every year.
DH had his tDAP before our honeymoon in 2014, and then DD was born in 2015 and this LO 2017 so he's still covered from that. We did ask the people who were going to be staying with us for long periods of time (DH's parents, and my mom, sister, and BIL) to get their boosters too. You can just go into a CVS MinuteClinic and get it, it's not hard. Since they all did it in 2015 they should still be good to go this time around. At least we're not having flu season babies; then I'd probably insist on flu shots too, just to be safe. For any other visitors, we just got a few large containers of anti-bacterial gel and left them around the house. DD's immune system has been Aces, she's been in daycare since she was 12 weeks old and has only had two one-day stomach bugs and one case of pink eye. Meanwhile there have been kids in her class getting all sorts of crazy stuff. I hope this LO is the same way. My immune system is great but DH gets sick just from looking at a sick person basically, so it's going to be a toss up. He literally got strep last year and blamed it on DD even though she never had it, because someone in her daycare class had it. I don't think that's how it works. I think he just touched something in the classroom when he dropped her off one day and got it that way, but whatever.
Due June 25 2017
My opinion on vaccines such as Hep B would, of course, be different if there were a legitamate concern of exposure. For example if the mother is Hep B positive it would make sense to vaccinate the baby. Same with any other caregiver who would be having regular contact with the baby. Sure the risk of transmission is still fairly low but that point it's probably worth getting the vaccine. I'd even say it's likely worth it if you know baby will need to be in the hospital for a prolonged period of time since mistakes happen and baby would be exposed to a lot more people and needles and such in a hospital setting. But a baby who is going home in a day or two to a family where no one has Hep B? Probably not really worth worrying about.
And sure there is the mindset on vaccines of "why not?" "Sure baby doesn't need this vaccine and has practically no chance of contracting this disease but... why not?" And if that's how you feel then go for it because sure, why not. But does baby need the vaccine against Hep B in most circumstances? I'd argue no.
Also, don't get me wrong: I'm not anti-vaccine in general. I believe there are some vaccines 100% worth getting. And I plan to vaccinate my baby with most of the things. Just not all the things. And when baby is a bit older and not so sensitive to medications and such I may feel differently about the "why not?" vaccines. But I don't like the idea of vaccinating because of a "why not?" rationale when babies are so young and so delicate. Baby can't wear sunscreen yet but he can be vaccinated against a disease he has a <1% chance of catching? That doesn't make sense to me.
So yeah. I plan to vaccinate baby with the TDAP, MMR and whatever else. Those are important and worth exposing my baby to whatever may or may not be in vaccines. Conspiracy theories aside I think we can all agree the vaccines aren't just whatever dead strains and saline and nothing else. And that isn't to say "oh there must surely be something in there that causes Autism!" It's just to say that there are other things in there and while they're safer than say, measles, does that mean those things are 100% safe for all babies? Probably not. There is practically nothing in the world that's 100% safe for everyone. I would assume that holds true for whatever may, or may not, be in vaccines.
Things have been super tame around here. You're all welcome.
TTC#1: January 2015- September 2016
Infertility, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Rainbow baby born June 6, 2017 ❤️
Baby #2 due June 12, 2018
Completely off the baby vaccine topic, but as a nurse that really surprised me. I have seen quite a few accidental needlesticks.
With an increase in parents electing to not vaccinate or electing to selectively vaccinate, the likelihood of my LO being exposed to a preventable disease such as Hep B increases. I consider myself fortunate to live in a melting pot; an area of the country where we have higher levels of foreign born citizens (my own family included). As such, a higher % could be from areas where Hep B is more prevalent and I don't know their vaccination status anymore than the vaccination status of those born in a country such as the US with a lower incidence rate for certain diseases. My children have been bite victims at daycare more times than I care to count. And oh yes... this even happened in the infant room! An older baby preparing to transition out and into the toddler room bit my then 6 month old daughter and broke the skin by her eye! WTAF! How does one even bite there and how does one bite so hard at such a young age with what? Maybe 4 teeth? Well it happened. What if that child wasn't vaccinated and carried a disease such as Hep B that could be transmitted to my daughter? What then if we hadn't vaccinated DD? While I will agree that we give many vaccines earlier than historically given to the general population rather than just high risk individuals, the problem I see is that so many parents have a lackadaisical attitude about vaccines and in turn could cause unnecessary harm to my child. So yes, I vaccinate early. Not because I like the idea or because "why not", but because "what if". Even if the likelihood of exposure is low, I don't feel the risk outweighs the reward. Particularly not as a working mother relying on daycare - a VERY public setting for a baby when it comes to germs and exposure risks.
AndPlusAlso, science.
I admit I had that ideological mindset that I wouldn't be the person accidentally sticking myself with needles until I accidentally did it a time or two and then I reconsidered. But either way I do think a lot of adults aren't vaccinated against Hep B and for the average person with virtually no risk of getting it, it's probably totally fine.
@Elyse1384 If you live in an area with a lot of Hep B cases then yeah I can see why you feel differently. I don't. The prevalence of Hep B where I live is <1% and that's including high risk populations. So I just really don't believe that my infant will be exposed. If I lived in an area where I felt there was a decent chance of exposure I'd likely feel the way you feel. I mean, I did say that infants in situations where exposure is likely are a different things entirely in my mind. So I stand by my opinion that my baby in an area with virtually no Hep B cases doesn't need to be vaccinated at birth unless he'll need to be in the hospital for awhile or something. BUT I'm also not someone who believing in pushing "anti-vax" opinions on other people. If someone wants to vaccinate their child then I get it. I do. And I think everyone has to do what they believe is best for their baby. I just happen to believe something a bit different in regard to a very select few vaccines such as Hep B. ETA: I'll also say that part of how I feel likely stems from the fact that I'll be a SAHM and my baby will have precious little exposure, early on, with others. And I don't know how I'll feel about some of the more "why not?" vaccines when baby is a bit older and will be around more people. And, of course, if baby ends up needing Hep B to go to school that would be a reason to do it. Those are issues I'll deal with as they come up. I'm overwhelmed enough by everything I have to consider for the newborn stage right now and I'm not trying to make decisions about how I'll handle things years from now.
TTC#1: January 2015- September 2016
Infertility, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Rainbow baby born June 6, 2017 ❤️
Baby #2 due June 12, 2018
When your argument includes an actual ingredient list and the known dangers and not just "extra stuff!" It isn't a legitimate argument. It's a conspiracy theory.
But if you want to vaccinate your children with all the things you do you. I'm not out to change anyone's mind. I just figured this would be far more interesting with at least one different opinion.
TTC#1: January 2015- September 2016
Infertility, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Rainbow baby born June 6, 2017 ❤️
Baby #2 due June 12, 2018
Give me all the Hep B vaccines. You never know.