Having hard time finding Ped!

JessMike07 · May 2009

So DH and I have decided to do a delayed vaccine schedule and we are having a very hard time finding a Peditrician who will cooperate. Its very frustrating. At first I looked into JDC because I know one of the Dr's wives and she gave me there vaccine policy which was some of the biggest crap I've ever read AND they threaten in their policy to kick you out of the practice if you do not agree. BS!!

Today we did a meet and greet at Darowish (sp) after being told by many patients that they do not hassel you about vaccines, that its left up to the parent, etc....So the Dr. we met with she was like "No, we push vaccinations and that is one of the 2 best things you can do for your baby" and gave us all this crap as well. I'm freaking 3 weeks away from my due date and have no idea what we are gonna do. DH and I are well educated people and can make an educated decision for our son. The Dr. isn't responsible for him....WE ARE! Grrrr!! Any suggestions??

mincemo · May 2009

I take DD to Darowish Assoc. and have not had any complaints about them. I do however follow their vaccine schedule so I can't help you out much there. Can they "make" you do it even if you don't want to? I understand that they would recommend it but like you said, it should be your decision as the parent.

GBL77 · May 2009

I also go to Darowish and Assoc...whom I absolutely LOVE...however I follow the vaccine schedule. I did work with a girl who doesn't vaccine and she takes her son to Tan and Garcia on Union Deposit. I think they have a Mechanicsburg location as well. I have heard good things about that practice. Good luck

LClaire · May 2009

I don't understand - what do they care if you delay when your baby gets vaccines or? If it's just a delayed schedule of all of the regular vaccines, and not a selective schedule, are they just not listening to you to realize that you're not skipping any, just giving them on a different schedule? If you're not declining anything, how is that a violation of any practice policy?? Sorry - I'm just confused, so I can't even imagine how frustrated you must be!! We've split a bunch of ours and spread them out, delayed, etc and had no problem at all amongst 3 different practices between 2 kids now - but our current office is probably too far for you to drive. I'm so sorry that you're having such a hard time finding someone who will respect what you want for your baby:(

JessMike07 · May 2009

They cannot "make" you do anything but that won't keep them from telling you what a horrible parent you are if you don't do it on the drug companies timeline. I guess because we are declining to do it on their schedule its a big no no.

One that we are absolutely against doing right away is HEP B because its spread basically the same way HIV is. So...its mainly a sexually transmitted disease so why does a baby need it the day after its born?? The physician that we saw today told us simply because more people die of HEP B than AIDS. Well I just got done looking that up. Approx 5,000 deaths occur due to HEP B....not sure if this is global or US only. But in North America 23,000 deaths in 2007 occured due to AIDS. Go figure that one out. I'm about to write a letter to them. Sorry my vent is over.

fxz109 · May 2009

I can't imagine how frustrated you are! Your baby is your baby.

The doctors may also be reluctant because delayed schedules apparently wreak havoc with the insurance companies as well.

I agree with you about the Hep B vaccine and we declined it in the hospital. I asked our pedi why they vaccinate against a sexually transmitted disease on the day a baby was born and he said two things - if the mom has it, it is transmitted to the baby almost 100% of the time (but weren't we all tested for that while we were pregnant if we got prenatal care??) and that it's the norm because in some areas not all parents come back for well visits. So then I guess we all need to be treated like IV drug users...

innerpeace · May 2009

I know I discussed this with you before but we go to JDC and do a delayed schedule, which includes not doing Hep B until he's like 12. We saw 4 different doctors from JDC while in the hospital and during his first two weeks, and not one of them gave us any crap at all for not giving Hep B. I will let you know what I experience at J's 2 month appt next week. I talked to the office staff and they said that they allow a delayed schedule, but again, I'll let you know what I experience. What's the worst that can happen-- that they'll try to make me feel horrible? They can only make me feel horrible if I'm not confident in my decisions, which I am. I'll let you know after the appt how it goes.

ntnylizard · May 2009

Probably so obvious it doesn't need to be stated, but just be sure to track vaccinations yourself and keep detailed records of your own if you choose to do a non-traditional or delayed vaccination schedule. AND be sure to pass those records on to your kids when they move out.

If you don't, you risk losing valuable medical info, since providers can discard medical records after seven years.

I had a HEP B scare last fall (turned out to be something else), and I never could find my vaccination records to see if/when I got the shot or series of shots. Mine was a timing issue because of when I was born, but the doctor explained that that's one of the reasons for standardization of immunizations at different stages of development now: so there's rarely any guess-work down the road as to when or if a person received a vaccine.

Emmy323 · May 2009

I take Brynne to JDC and have been really pleased with them. When Brynne was in the NICU they called every few days to check up on her. I thought that was pretty impressive.

We refused the Hep B vaccine in the hospital but will do all her other vaccines on time. We saw Dr. Weber in the hospital and he told me that the Hep B vaccine at birth is "not for patients like you who have had prenatal care and don't use IV drugs". He was fine with our decision. When we took Brynne in after she got out of the NICU, the doctor we saw in the office (I forget her name) told me that the rest of the Hep B vaccination is given in a combo shot and had we not refused the one in the hosptial she would have gotten an additional dose.

That being said, I know what you mean about their vaccination statement. It's really pretty harsh. However, the individual doctors don't seem to have that attitude.

I'm sorry you're in a bind and I hope you are able to find a practice soon! I wouldn't completely rule out JDC. If they give you a hard time, go somewhere else! You won't be 40 weeks pregnant and in a rush to find a practice.

ChaseWalkersMom · May 2009

I've heard that Tan and Garcia is very good about delayed schedules. I am interested to know more about how they are since I plan to delay next time. I just think that the number of vaccines they give infants at 2 months and on is ridiculous.

We started out at Darowish and associates and would never ever recommend anyone go to them. I went to them until I was 20 years old, but had the most horrible experience with them when my son was born. My son was very sick and they wanted nothing to do with helping him out. Dr. Gardesh (spelling) was the meanest a-hole that I have ever met in my entire life. My son wasn't back to birth weight at 5 weeks and he wanted to tell me that he just had a bad case of the stomach bug, that was what was causing him to throw up....even though the upper gi showed severe acid reflux.

We quickly changed. I can say that Tan and Garcia has the most understanding doctors in the world. and the nurses are great dealing with new mommies....especially first timers. They also are great one you have children hospitalized. Chase was hospitalized twice under the care and they came in to see him multiple times.

Can you please let me know who you end up finding that will work with your schedule? Also, do you have a plan that you are following? I have heard that the Dr. Sear's schedule is excellent.

psuash7 · May 2009

JessMike07:

They cannot "make" you do anything but that won't keep them from telling you what a horrible parent you are if you don't do it on the drug companies timeline. I guess because we are declining to do it on their schedule its a big no no.

One that we are absolutely against doing right away is HEP B because its spread basically the same way HIV is. So...its mainly a sexually transmitted disease so why does a baby need it the day after its born?? The physician that we saw today told us simply because more people die of HEP B than AIDS. Well I just got done looking that up. Approx 5,000 deaths occur due to HEP B....not sure if this is global or US only. But in North America 23,000 deaths in 2007 occured due to AIDS. Go figure that one out. I'm about to write a letter to them. Sorry my vent is over.

I am sure that if there were an HIV vaccine, that would be inthe schedule too no matter what. Vaccines are made to prevent deadly communicable diseases from spreading or virtually stopping.

JessMike07 · May 2009

I am sure that if there were an HIV vaccine, that would be inthe schedule too no matter what. Vaccines are made to prevent deadly communicable diseases from spreading or virtually stopping.

Yes they are made to prevent deadly diseases but the fact is just because you vaccinated doesn't mean you can't get the disease. I just don't feel comfortable injecting my baby with even the smallest amounts of mercury, anti-freeze, cells of various animals, etc especially at such a young age when it decreases the babies immune system. I'm not trying to start a debate or be rude I just wasn't sure how to take your comment. I'm sure if there was a HIV vaccine that it would be included---no doubt and unfortantly no matter what side effects could occur.

Thank you for everyone's input. We'll probably try JDC and see how it goes. Its less then 5 mins away from our house. I'm not quite sure at this point what alternate schedule we will do. Thanks again!! I really appreciate everyone being so helpful!!

honaras · May 2009

jess, i totally respect you and your DH's decision to safely protect your little guy. definitely let us know how that goes; i'm *forever* away from needing a pediatrician, but it's good to know what they're like. thanks for being the guinea pig. Wink

Want a personalized experience?

Having hard time finding Ped!

Re: Having hard time finding Ped!

Choose Another Board

Search Boards