Seeking Moms in Mesa, Gilbert Area

Have you looked into Gilbert Pediatrics? They are the very best I have ever been to! I am so picky about my kids pediatrician. I have been through 3 in the valley and they are so 100 times better than anywhere else. I asked my pediatrician about autism, just to see his reaction, and he was totally understanding and actually talked with me about it. I have seen a couple of their doctors and they are all fabulous! The only bummer for some people is that there is a bit of a wait. I don't care because the wait means that the doctors actually take time to talk to you instead of rushing you through and getting annoyed when you ask questions. Their waiting room has tons of fun toys that my boys love though, so I don't mind taking them. Anyway, I hope this helps.

There are many flaws in Dr. Wakefield's study that previously linked autism to vaccinations. He, as well as other collegues have stepped forward and admitted this. Even after taking mercury out of vaccinations, there is still a rise in autism. I believe this to be for many reasons. First of all, autism is a spectrum disordder. Symptoms can range from milkd to seve3re from a couple of symptoms to many. More and more kids are being diagnosed because of the broad range of these symptoms. Also, it has gotten a lot more media attention in the last 10 years leading to more cases. It's kind of like ADHD was in the 90s. That said, there are small risks to receiving vaccinnations such as blindness or paralysis. However, these risks are small. You have a better chance of being injured in a car accident but you drive/ride in a car every day.

You will make the decision that is right for you and your family. Do lots of research, ask lots of questions.

I chose to vaccinate because I think the benefits outweigh the risk. My kids are in daycare and I worried about what would happen to them if they came in contact with someone that had recently been vaccinated. There is no conclusive evidence of what happens to kids in that situation. Plus I work with children with autism, and while it's not an easy life to live as a parent, I'd rather have my child around than dead because of something that could have been prevented.

Now, I don't know about my pediatricians view as far as immunizations because I'm following the schedule, but I go to Mesa Pediatrics and I LOVE them! They have four offices to choose from too.

Hi Terry!

I totally understand how all this information going about would give you pause when you think about vaccinating your children. The most recent study results indicate that there is no relationship between ingredients used in vaccines and autism. As a mom with a child diagnosed with austism I can tell you that I have no hesitation about getting my children their shots. We have a great pediatrician, Dr. Julie Pendleton, at Pendleton Pediatrics (www.pendletonpeds.com). A much larger concern for doctors is a resurgence of polio, whooping cough, tetanus, diptheria and other preventalbe diseases in the community. However, no doctor should treat you like you are crazy because you are expressing concern for your children! I believe Dr. Pendleton will be happy to talk to you about all your concerns. Good luck!!

I personally get shots for my kids. It is not proven that autism is linked to the children's shots. Although some Dr.s will say it is. Most will tell you it is not. For me, the benefits far outway the risks(which I don't believe their are any). The chances of my kids developing a deadly disease because they did not get their vaccines is musch great than them having autism because of them. Some research also suggests that Autism has increased over the years, while the symtoms have not increased in children, it is just that now people say it is a disease. I know many people may strongly disagree with me, but I have reserached this and this is my personal outcome. You will have to decide for yourself because it is all specualtion at this point. And be very vigilant in the responses you get. I'm sorry, I just read the holistic ladies response and she gave you specific instructions on which ones to do. Please take it with a grain of salt and come to your own conclusion. This is not something that you should take advice from someone on the internet.

Hi T. -

This is really a personal choice. Allopathic doctors will tell you the benefits of these immunizations will far outweigh the risks, but only you can decide whether that's true. The immunizations are basically the disease housed in an old-fashioned thermometer. That's right, the medium used for immunizations is mercury. If you listen to the media, we are not supposed to be eating certain fish - why - mercury, they did away with the old thermometers - why - mercury, they don't do silver fillings - why - mercury. You really need to look at how healthy your child is. If you have a child with a weak immunization system anyway, you might want to really weigh your options. Another reason for the increase in autism is heavy metals in the mother & father's bodies, which is passed on to the baby. When you add the mercury in the immunizations to the heavy metals already in that little body you have to know there are going to be health issues. A couple of options include:
1. Get a hair analysis done for all family members - this will show the amount of heavy metals in each person's body as well as vitamin & mineral deficiencies.
2. If you choose to immunize your child, ask the doctor to only give one immunization at a time - no MMR - 1 Measles, 1 Mumps, 1 Rubella - with several days inbetween the shots to allow your child's body time to trigger it's immune system.
3. Most herbal immune boosters are safe for children. Use these prior to giving your child the immunizations.
I gave all 3 of my children these immunizations, but I didn't know anything about the dangers. I was very blessed that there were no adverse side effects. Because my children are now in their teens, I have explained the pros & cons and they will make the final decision whether they want to get the "boosters" recommended. I have one son who did and the other who has chosen not to.
I hope this information helps.

M. M. Ernsberger
Holistic Health Practitioner
Certified Herbalist

Hi T. H.
I do not know a good DR. but a great book to read to get educated on the true nature of vaccinations is The Sanctity of Human Blood : Vaccination is Not Immunization by Tim O'Shea. If you go to the website www.thedoctorwithin.com (which is Tim O'Shea site) you can order the book much cheaper than amazon and the like and get the latest 11th addition. B4 reading this book I had a gut feeling about vaccinations and did not want to vaccinate our 2 girls. Since reading this book I have received the education I knew was out there and the confidence to talk to any Pediatrician about this issue. Parents have more rights than the pharmaceutical industry and the medical community want us to believe. I will no longer be vaccinating my 5 yr. old and my 3mo. old infant will be receiving no vaccinations. Good luck and I hope you read the book. I suggest reading anti vaccination literature from the source, not from the CDC's website or the American academy of Pediatrics website. It is kind of like looking up Hillary Clintons website to learn about Mitt Romney. I think reading both sides of the issue is wonderful, just give each side the proper attention and sourcing out there. Good Luck!!
L. H

Hi T.,
Isn't it crazy?........all the advice from doctors and the American Acadamy of Peds seems to change from year to year. I understand how overwhelming it can be. I happen to agree with Brandy on this issue. Autism has been around for a very long time, and I think the reason it is on the rise is because it is now labeled.....it has been given a name, therefore it makes us feel more afraid for our children. I think you should take care and weigh all your options before deciding what's right for you. It isn't a bad idea to find a pediatrician who will listen to your concerns and help you decide which route to take. My pediatrician is Dr. Perlstein at Palo Verde Pediatrics. We have had a few extensive discussions about this, and with his help I made my decision. Good luck!

Hi T.,

I welcome you to attend my free Parenting Seminar where I address (among many other topics) vaccines and autism, ADD/ ADHD, training up a child to be HAPPY, how to really love a child, etc. etc.

If you would like more info, please see my website at: www.loveistheanswer.info

Or feel free to write me at ____@____.com

Follow your heart, dear brave mother. Do not let any "expert" convince you that you are crazy to do that. The stewardship for your child is "yours" NOT the doctors. You can raise a happy, healthy child AND be happy in the process!

Your fellow sister,
K.

Unfortunately this is an issue that is not easily solved. I briefly did some research before our first son was born. I also have a book called Healthy Child, Whole Child that focuses on integrated health for children (combining both mainstream medicine and holistic, more natural options). The forward of the book is written by Andrew Weil, a doctor from the Tucson area widely known for his natural practices and his strong belief in the body's ability to heal itself. This book's opinion is that it is almost irresponsible NOT to immunize. There has been no strong connection proven for the risks and there are children who cannot be vaccinated due to compromised immune systems. These children count on the immunity of others to keep them safe and healthy. I ended up choosing to vaccinate and we have had no issues. One thing a holistic nurse that I know suggested receiving the vaccines, but on a more spread out schedule. Good luck and in the end I believe it is (at this point, anyway) a personal belief and opinion of what is best for you and your child. Good luck!

Funny thing immunizations...
My dh & I have debated about this same subject back & forth but cannot find any substantial evidence to prove either side.
I can however share what we have seen in our own children. We have 5 and our 6th is due in May 2008.
4 of our 5 children have been immunized up to date except our youngest who only received his first immunizations that they give @ the hospital & the first set at the doctors (2mo ckup). All 4 of the 5 that are immunized have experienced colds, flu, even things that they have been immunized for...such as whooping cough & chicken pox with 1 getting shingles when only a toddler (very rare).
Our youngest however deals with the occational seasonal allergy.
You decide...our youngest is 14mo and didn't get any of the others' illnessess.
We have decided not to get any more.
And, if schools are an issue...you can ask for a waiver. They don't mention it but do require non-immunized children to have one if entering public school.
HTH.
~D