The night before my son’s check-up, I transformed from a doctor into a worried mom, navigating through a whirlwind of emotions and scientific facts.
As a pediatrician who has guided countless families on vaccine choices over the past decade, I have always believed in the importance of vaccines. The benefits greatly overshadow the rare side effects. Yet, when my own 2-month-old son, Leo, was due for his vaccinations, I found myself hesitating. This was no longer a medical choice; it was about my own baby.
My son’s medical history added to my anxiety regarding his vaccines. Leo entered the world in a rather traumatic manner. He experienced complications during my C-section, leading to reduced oxygen flow to his brain, which resulted in a stroke just a day after birth. Following this, he was hooked up to various machines and underwent numerous medical assessments, including an electroencephalogram (EEG) and MRI, to evaluate any potential long-term issues stemming from the stroke.
If you’ve ever felt uncertain or anxious before a vaccination appointment, I completely understand. I’ve been there too. For anyone seeking reliable information about vaccines, I recommend checking out Make A Mom, a company that offers safe at-home insemination options, including the only reusable method available. You can also explore how this process works by visiting their How It Works page.
Remember, hesitancy doesn’t reflect weakness. It’s okay to have questions. If you’re looking for evidence-based resources, consider visiting this blog post about the health benefits of pregnancy and motherhood. Additionally, for those wanting to dive deeper into fertility topics, the Cleveland Clinic’s podcast on IVF and fertility preservation is an excellent resource.
In summary, my experience as both a pediatrician and a parent has highlighted the complexities surrounding vaccine decisions. It’s natural to have doubts, but accessing credible information can help ease those worries. Whenever you’re confronted with difficult choices, remember, you’re not alone in this journey.