By: Emma Thompson
Updated: Oct. 2, 2023
Originally Published: Oct. 12, 2016
My children wear amber necklaces, a little secret sign among moms that says, “I’m a proud, natural-living advocate.” We embrace everything those necklaces symbolize. I’m still nursing my nearly three-year-old, and I breastfed my older boys until they were 3 and 4. I’ve even nursed other kids! We prioritize organic foods and have a cozy family bed set up with a queen-sized mattress paired with a twin. I’m a firm believer in the gut-healing powers of Kombucha. If coconut oil consumption were a measure, we’d definitely rank among the top 1% of natural-living enthusiasts.
I identify as a free spirit, yet my children are fully vaccinated, and they always will be.
There’s a common misconception that those of us who embrace a natural lifestyle and dress our kids in amber wouldn’t dare vaccinate. Many in the natural community tend to have a fear of chemicals, and while “chemical” can mean a variety of substances, it often carries a negative connotation associated with synthetic additives. Additionally, there’s a prevalent distrust of the medical community, largely due to its connections with pharmaceutical companies and its dismissal of alternative health practices.
However, one can wholeheartedly embrace a natural lifestyle and still recognize the profound impact of vaccinations. Initially, we were hesitant about vaccines, influenced by Dr. Sears’ claims that spacing them out could prevent a “chemical overload.” We thought that giving fewer vaccines at one time would help our kids detoxify better.
Understanding the Vaccine Perspective
Let’s unpack this perspective. We were concerned about the number of vaccines being administered too early, fearing that it might overwhelm our children’s systems, especially their neurological health. The idea was that spacing out vaccinations would allow their bodies to process one vaccine at a time.
Sure, we’ve all heard that man-made additives are harmful. Yet, when it comes to vaccine ingredients, they are safe. Take aluminum, for instance. In large doses, it can be harmful, but as an adjuvant in vaccines, it’s completely safe. Interestingly, infants get less aluminum from vaccines than they would from a liter of formula or even breast milk.
Formaldehyde, a component used to deactivate viruses, sounds intimidating, but the amount left in vaccines is significantly less than what’s naturally present in a newborn’s body—50 to 70 times less. Once we delved into the actual quantities of these substances in vaccines, they seemed much less daunting and undeniably essential.
Vaccination Rates: A Historical Perspective
Regarding the notion that kids today receive too many vaccines compared to past generations? That’s simply not true. In fact, children today receive fewer antigens than they did in 1980, with a decrease from about 3,041 to around 153. Their immune systems are not overwhelmed as they once were. So, we can’t romanticize the past when it comes to vaccinations; modern approaches are superior.
After we conducted thorough research using credible sources—not alternative health figures like Dr. Mercola—we came to understand that vaccines are indeed safe. While there are instances of vaccine injuries, I believe those numbers are exaggerated compared to claims made by some alternative health advocates. Ultimately, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks of the diseases they prevent.
The Risks of Avoiding Vaccination
Consider other options. I was once invited to a chickenpox party but chose to decline. The reality is that prior to the vaccine, around 150,000 to 200,000 individuals developed complications from chickenpox each year, with approximately 11,000 needing hospitalization, and 100 fatalities. The CDC lists potential complications from chickenpox, including severe skin infections, pneumonia, and even brain inflammation. I’m not willing to take that risk with my children. As the CDC states, the vaccine is safer than the disease itself, so my kids received their shots. It wasn’t the most pleasant experience, but it’s far better than the alternatives like encephalitis or worse.
You can desire all things natural for your children while still supporting vaccinations. Whether you adorn your home with wooden Waldorf toys, brew your own kombucha, or savor homemade sauerkraut, it’s entirely possible to appreciate the importance of vaccinations for both personal and community health. I’m a free spirit who has done the research, and I firmly support vaccinations.
Further Reading
For more insights on this topic, check out our other blog post at Intracervical Insemination. If you’re looking for reliable information on home insemination, CCRM IVF is an excellent resource. And for those interested in at-home options, Make A Mom provides a comprehensive guide.
In summary, blending a natural lifestyle with the acceptance of vaccinations is not only possible but essential for the well-being of our children and society at large.