Hi. I'm new here.

[Guest guest]

Hello, everyone. I just wanted to introduce myself...

My name is le. I'm a 28-year old newly licensed massage

therapist, birth doula, and mommy. My son will be 2 in May.

I've learned that I am happiest when I'm living my life as naturally

as possible. Of course, that's easier said than done. But it is a

big reason why I did not want to vaccinate my son.

However, I didn't research the issue before was born and he had his

first few round of shots. I hated it but felt like my hands were

tied. (My husband is all for doing what the majority feels is best

for our son.) I knew no one would take me seriously if I refused the

shots because it didn't feel right to me.

Within days of Aidan's 4-month shots he developed diarrhea. I knew

it was time to start my research. I wanted some information to back

up my feelings before his 6-month checkup.

btw- the diarrhea went on for almost 6 weeks. The doctors didn't

seem concerned. They blamed my diet. And he did get better when I

cut out dairy and wheat. But the damage was done. If you look back

at his growth chart, you can see his weight plateaued after 4

months. He'd been growing well until then. But by his 12-month check

he had falled off the charts.

Anyhow, he's doing great now (altho his weight is still on the low

side for his age). But he doesn't get sick much (he was just on

antibiotics for the first time ever last month. the doctor on call

was surprised he hadn't needed them before 20 months.) And

developmentally he's average or above in most things.

The issue is that my husband does not agree with my position. He is

pushing me to reconsider. He's worried Aidan will get sick. And

we're both concerned about the legal issues when he's ready for

school. He thinks it would just be better to vaccinate and get it

over with and not have to worry about it anymore.

So I'm looking for information to counter my husband's concerns. And

I need to know that what I'm doing is right for my son. I obviously

don't want to harm him or make him an outcast. (My husband envisions

Aidan being excluded from activities because he's not immunized.)

I look forward to some passionate discussions!