Pediatrician Vent...

moonrose2715

As of Jan 1st my DD and I both switched to my DH's insurance.  Of course this meant finding both of us all new doctors.  Previously we had Kaiser, so our choices were semi limited, and I could deal with the system very easily.  But now I have to deal with the pediatrician search that most other people complete while they are still pregnant (and not dealing with a baby during normal office hours)...

So my vent?  I am very much of the AP mind, though not 100%.  This comes through in my medical beliefs too.  I believe in the usefulness of western medicine, but also believe in my instincts and alternative choices as well.  Most importantly, I want someone who will meet me in the middle.  On most things this isn't an issue.  So what's the problem?  Vaccines...

I'm not anti-vaccine.  I believe they have their place.  I also know that every instinct in my body told me that the AAP schedule wasn't okay.  I elected to follow Dr Sears Selective schedule because it sat well with me, whereas everything else did not.

I have been lectured by two doctors in person, and pretty much every doctor I can find online.  I just wish they could say "lets have an educated discussion and I will share with you what my beliefs are and why".  Maybe they'd change my mind.  Maybe not.  But if not, that should be okay too.

Ugh... I feel like I'm never going to find a pediatrician that I like...

Harper'smom

This may be a shot in the dark but every time I Google "crunchier" parenting topics in CA I come across the CAL affiliated parents forums. I don't know how far you are from that specific area but that might be a good place to look.

moonrose2715

Thanks!  I'll check it out...

jday1229

My ped is just what you're looking for, but maybe a bit farther away than you'd like

Have you tried this list?

https://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/Vaccine_Friendly_Doctors.asp

kegallagh

jday1229:

My ped is just what you're looking for, but maybe a bit farther away than you'd like

Have you tried this list?

https://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/Vaccine_Friendly_Doctors.asp

I would also recommend that list!

sapgirl76

Is there a local AP or BW group by you?  They might have great suggestions on pedis they like.

GrayGhost13

kegallagh:

jday1229:

My ped is just what you're looking for, but maybe a bit farther away than you'd like

Have you tried this list?

https://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/Vaccine_Friendly_Doctors.asp

I would also recommend that list!

I also found my pediatrician on that list. In her case, she's not only open to modified vaccine schedules but she also practices complementary/holistic medicine.

GL!

ladybug8510

sapgirl76:

Is there a local AP or BW group by you?  They might have great suggestions on pedis they like.

Or your local La Leche League.

rainlily

As a last resort, you could pay out-of-network for your previous pediatrician. I hope you are able to find a pedi that you like. 

Allie30

Kinda shocked you could find a Kaiser Pedi that agreed with you... I have Kaiser here in DC and they won't let you walk in teh door without sticking a needle in your arm.

I will probably be flamed for saying this on the AP board, but maybe what you see as a "lecture" they see as what you claim you want: "an educated discussion about their beliefs." I'd imagine that you coming to them with your "instinct" doesn't measure up to their trust in their years of medical training and experience, especially in California, where they've seen a very real consequence of the anti-vaccine movement. 

Every instinct in *my* body said to vaccinate my child from every disease possible, as soon as humanely possible. I'd shoot her up with more vaccines if the doctors would let me. It broke my heart at her last appointment to hear she STILL wasn't safe from certain diseases, that despite everything I was doing to protect her, she could still get things because her series wasn't complete yet.  But they tell me this is the only safe way to do it, and I believe them.

OctGirl80

jday1229:

My ped is just what you're looking for, but maybe a bit farther away than you'd like

Have you tried this list?

https://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/Vaccine_Friendly_Doctors.asp

 

I tried that list and there was only 1 anywhere near me (within 2 hours drive) and when I asked, they told me they use the CDC's vaccine schedule, not Sear's.

EcoBaby

I take DS to a family doctor. He's not a pedi, but one of his focuses is children. He was my doctor for years before I had DS. Maybe it is because he knew me, I don't know, but he's been open to discussing vaccination issues with me. He came up with a schedule that fit DS's needs, but also got him vaccinated in a timely manner. We only did 2 shots at a time except for at one appt. we did 3. If you have a family doc, you might see if (s)he will also see your kids.

lisa5201

There is an excellent pro/anti vaccine discussion here:

 https://www.amazon.com/tag/baby/forum/ref=cm_cd_pg_pg1?_encoding=UTF8&cdForum=FxSKWDWQRZ03WU&cdPage=1&cdSort=oldest&cdThread=Tx3B90KE3WLFX6C

 

It's hundreds of pages long, but I suggest going back through the last ten at least before posting. It is a dedicated group and a lively discussion, but very informative and fact based (mostly!)

Alirebco

Check out the finding your tribe board on mothering.com and post a question about finding an AP pedi in your area.  You might already see recommendations on there as well. 

stever

fredalina:

Allie30:

I will probably be flamed for saying this on the AP board, but maybe what you see as a "lecture" they see as what you claim you want: "an educated discussion about their beliefs." I'd imagine that you coming to them with your "instinct" doesn't measure up to their trust in their years of medical training and experience, especially in California, where they've seen a very real consequence of the anti-vaccine movement. 

i think this is well said.  My pedi is pro-vax on the normal schedule, but i've had multiple educated discussions with her.  For over a year, Charlotte was a foster child and i had no choice but to vax on the AAP schedule, but now i do.

i found it interesting that she assumed my reason for wanting an alternate schedule was related to autism.  It isn't actually; i don't believe that now proven falsified claim at all.  But i think immune responses can trigger other immune responses (i.e. vaccines can, not "cause", but trigger autoimmune problems later in life).  When i started to explain, she agreed with that but said she felt the risks of even delayed vaccinations were too high.  i agree in some cases and don't in others.  i consider it a nice, cooperative discussion and relationship rather than a lecture.  Even if she never "changes her mind". 

Jennicap

DH, myself and DS all go to a family doctor who is also a DO. She does the whole western medicine but takes natural holistic approach to things too. For example, my supply was tanking I take fenugeek and I drink a guinness each night before bed along with 3-4 lactation cookies a day. Next example when DS was a newborn he had some reflux issues, nothing too major but it was there. I took dairy out of my diet and she recommended smaller feedings more often. It worked never had to put DS on any meds. I like taking the natural approach first to see if it works. Oh and we do a delayed schedule for vacs, she's never had a problem with any of my requests.