Baby well check ups

[vegggeeemom]

I hope I am not the only one here to not make it to all the baby well check or well child check ups.
My daughter is 10 and she has not been since she was 4, very healthy.
My son is 3 and has not been unless he's been hurt.
My other son is 11 months and has not gone in since he was 6 months or so.
My last two are not vaxed and my daughter has not been vaxed since she was 4.
I have no medical records for my daughter and some on the last two.
What would you do? Would you just take the kids in for the well check ups?
The thing that really turned me off from going was the nurse was so pushy about vaxing. I stood my ground. She offered me books to read and I took them and glanced through them. Didn't convince me to do them!
I have heard of people having the nurses or peds call cps on them for not vaxing.
I know that I am worrying more than I should. I just think that it is appalling that someone could get the authorities called on them for not vaxing or for feeding their children a mostly raw diet.
My children are at a healthy weight and are not underweight.
Anyways, what would you do? Would you just try and find a ped that's ok with my lifestyle choices?

Thanks!
Pam

[Sharon in Colorado]

Yes I would, or at least tell the doc that my child has severe allergies & sensitivities to all meds, that may make them think twice about judging you. There are also some alternative things you can look into if you have concerns about the diseases. I think there are some homeopathic options.

Another thing to consider is how you respond to the docs and nurses. Don't know how you react to them, but say they hear defensiveness and secrecy, that would be reason enough for them to want to get some public authorites involved, as much as it's none of their business.

[vegggeeemom]

I'm open with them, about why I don't vax and in my state I have that legal right to say it's a religious exemption and not prove that religiously I'm oppossed to vaxing.
I just causually say that I've researched my options and still at this time am choosing to not vax.
The nurse was more concerned about it, but the doc was not at all concerned the last time around.
I guess for record purposes I ought to be taking them in.
Thanks for your ideas and thoughts.

Pam

[Punky]

Hi Pam,
If your ped/doc didn't give you a hard time just ignore the nurse; make your statement and leave it as that...you don't owe the nurse any further
explanation...now I don't know about the nurses/docs calling CPS..i suppose
some might...
I found a ped that I really like and respects my wishes to refuse vacinations.
I bring them in for their once a year checkups and if they are *really* sick..
She doesn't give me a hard time, but my kids are pretty much fully vacinated before I stopped doing it..they are just missing boosters for the most part...she also knows my oldest son has had behavioural issues (ADHD, Autism, etc..)
so asked if I refused his MMR booster because of that..
If you do not feel comfortable at your present doctor you might ask around
to other parents in your area with similar beliefs if they recommend a doctor in your area...I found my pediatrician thru my birthcenter I had my 2nd son at..not every ped is open to you having a baby out of the hospital! Several people at the birthcenter has used my ped and she was on a list of referred docs familiar with the birthcenter. So network network network with like minded people in your area to get recommendations.
It's hard I know to find a doctor that doesn't give you a hard time for alternative views and lifestyles. Good Luck!

[Punky]

Pam,
check out this website:

http://www.familiesfornaturalliving.org/ONSITE/render.php

If you can find a local chapter that meets in your area than you
might get some recommendations to pediatricians and doctors that
are more laid back to vacinations.
A great way to meet open minded families; I use to be a member years
ago (our local chapter fizzled out); but that's how I found out about RAW VEGANS...never knew about this lifestyle till I met some people at a
Families for Natural Living meeting/social.

[vegggeeemom]

Punky, thank you very much for your responses and for your help! I will check that out for sure!
Also, I am going to PM you, I have a few questions for you!

Pam

[Rawkinlocs]

Yeah, this is something I'm going to be facing soon I guess.

I haven't had my younger ones vaxed either...well, my second oldest has had them in the past, but I'm sure she still "needs" others according to the system.

But I have been searching for ND's that do family practice or pediatrics and I intend to get their wellness visits done that route if possible. Otherwise, I'd have to find someone who would not give me a hard time as well.

Some doctors won't even see patients who refuse vaccinations, so I've read/heard.