Updated: Oct. 2, 2023
Originally Published: Oct. 12, 2016
As a mother who embraces a natural lifestyle, my children often sport amber necklaces, a subtle nod to my “crunchy” values. We engage in all the practices associated with this lifestyle: I am currently nursing my nearly three-year-old, and I breastfed my older two sons until they were three and four. I’ve even nursed other children. Our family prioritizes organic foods, and we co-sleep on a queen bed with a twin sidecar. I advocate for the gut-healing benefits of kombucha and, if coconut oil consumption were a measure, we would rank among the top tier of health-conscious families.
Despite all of this, my children are fully vaccinated—and will remain so.
There’s a common misconception that families like ours, who embrace holistic practices, are generally opposed to vaccinations. Many in the natural health community harbor a distrust of chemicals, often equating “chemical” with something harmful. This wariness extends to conventional medicine due to its affiliations with Big Pharma and its dismissive stance towards alternative methods. However, it is possible to champion a natural lifestyle while recognizing the vital role vaccines play in safeguarding our health.
Initially, we were hesitant about vaccines. We followed the philosophy of spacing them out, believing that fewer vaccinations at a time would reduce the risk of overwhelming our children’s systems. We were influenced by the views of health figures who suggested that giving two vaccines at once minimizes potential exposure to harmful substances.
However, upon reviewing credible, peer-reviewed sources, we discovered that vaccines are not only safe but also essential. To clarify some common misconceptions: children today receive fewer antigens than they did in the past. The number has plummeted from approximately 3,041 antigens in 1980 to just 153 now, meaning their immune systems are less burdened than ever before. Those wary of vaccines are often misinformed about the safety of the components used in them.
Take aluminum, for instance. While in large quantities it can be harmful, in the form used in vaccines, it is deemed safe. In fact, an infant receives less aluminum from a vaccine than they would from a liter of formula or even breast milk. Similarly, formaldehyde, which sounds alarming, is present in quantities far less than that found naturally in the human body.
Additionally, the notion that vaccines overwhelm children is unfounded. The CDC reports that children are less exposed to antigens now than in previous decades.
As a parent, I understand the anxiety surrounding vaccines, but the risks posed by the diseases they prevent far outweigh any potential side effects. For example, I declined an invitation to a chickenpox party, fully aware that prior to the vaccine, complications from this seemingly mild illness resulted in numerous severe cases. The CDC states that complications can lead to serious health issues, including pneumonia and encephalitis. I refuse to gamble with my children’s health.
It is entirely possible to want the best, natural things for your children while still supporting vaccinations. You can fill your home with eco-friendly toys, brew your own kombucha, and advocate for natural health without rejecting the critical role vaccines play in public health. I am a free spirit who has done the research, and I firmly believe in the importance of vaccinations.
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In summary, embracing a natural lifestyle and supporting vaccinations are not mutually exclusive. It is essential to be informed and prioritize the health of your children through both holistic practices and preventative medicine.
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