New to board - vaccine question

cynhaux

Hey everyone,

I'm new to this board and am due with my second baby (a girl!) end of January - I hope this is the right board for this question, since my question has to do with newborns, in anticipation of her arrival!    I also know vaccines can be a bit of a hot topic, so I'm not attempting in any way to stir up debate - I only want to know other mothers' opinions because I'm torn on what to do.

 We have a 2 year old daughter and, as I said, our other daughter is due end of January.  One of my best friends just had her first baby, a little boy, and she has decided to decline all vaccines, and is using homeopathic treatments and remedies in lieu of "traditional" medicine.  My daughter is fully vaccinated up to this current point, and we plan on doing the same with our next baby.  At my daughter's 2 year checkup at the pediatrician, I asked about vaccinations and our daughter playing with, or even being exposed to, children who were not vaccinated.  Our ped said she wasn't all that concerned about our older daughter playing with my friend's baby, because our friend's baby would be the one at most risk playing with our daughter since he's not vaccinated, but she was pretty concerned about our newborn being exposed to my friend's baby, until our baby is fully vaccinated.  So, my husband is pretty worried about our baby being around my friend's baby, so much so that he wants to not have the kids together, and is even wondering if ME being around my friend could make me a carrier and I could bring something home to our baby.  He's a physician, so sometimes I think his imagination gets away from him!!  I don't want to NOT see my close friend, but I want to make sure I'm making safe decisions for my kids, you know?  I'm so torn and don't want to offend her, and I don't want to be overly paranoid either.  Anyway, what are your thoughts?  Thanks!!  

melody921

LucyD1029:

I would keep my newborn away from her child until she is fully vaccinated, but I don't see why you can't see your friend.

This.

danieliza1127

I would do what my doctor tells me to do and if the doctor says to keep the baby away from the unvaccinated baby until my baby is fully vaccinated, then that is what I would do.  I would just explain the situation to my friend and hope that she understands.  This is the risk she is taking by not having her kids vaccinated.  If she gets upset, well so be it.  My baby's health would be more important than her feelings.

As far as you avoiding her baby while pregnant, I would talk to your OB/GYN about it and take their advice.

GigiFairy

I would not expose my newborn baby until the 2 month vaccines to any children other than her brother, much less an unvaccinated child. Better safe than sorry

hmp1

My child's health is my number one concern. I would follow my pedi's advice.

cynhaux

Thanks so much everyone!  I appreciate the responses and feedback!  

 

punkrockabye

For this reason I'm glad we now live 5 hours from our best friends. We love them and their kids, but they chose not to vax, and not for any big reasons either. We won't take LO around their kids for a while, probably not until after 6 months or so.

ihearttroy1

I have this issue with my bf's mother. She's into holistic medicine and was mortified at the thoughts of me being induced and then having a csection. She wants me to skip vaccines for my son. Well it's not going to happen. Your job is to protect your child. If it hurts someone's feelings tough. I know it's hard and I feel bad if I hurt someone, but I'd feel worse if my son got sick because I didn't want to upset anyone. I hope your friend is respectful of your decision and it doesn't hurt your friendship. Good luck!