My children proudly sport amber necklaces—it’s a little emblem that hints at my holistic, free-spirited lifestyle. We embrace many of the practices that come with that label: I’m currently nursing my nearly three-year-old, and I’ve nursed my older two until they were three and four. I’ve even nursed other children! We prioritize organic food, maintain a family bed arrangement with a queen-sized mattress and a twin sidecar, and I wholeheartedly believe in the gut-healing benefits of Kombucha. If coconut oil consumption were a measure, we’d definitely rank among the top tier of health-conscious parents.
However, here’s the twist: I am a free spirit, and my children are fully vaccinated—and always will be.
There’s a common stereotype that those of us who embrace a natural lifestyle avoid vaccinations, as if wearing amber necklaces automatically means rejecting modern medicine. Many people in the holistic community harbor a skepticism toward chemicals, often viewing anything labeled as “chemical” with suspicion, even if it includes something as benign as water. This wariness frequently translates into distrust of conventional medicine, fueled by concerns over its connections to big pharmaceutical companies and a tendency to dismiss alternative health approaches.
But you can wholeheartedly embrace a holistic lifestyle while also recognizing the invaluable contributions of vaccines, like those developed by pioneers such as Jonas Salk. Initially, my partner and I were hesitant about vaccinations, influenced by Dr. Sears’ perspectives. We worried that our children were receiving too many vaccines too soon and contemplated spacing them out to avoid overwhelming their systems. The belief was that by administering fewer vaccines at a time, we could lessen the potential for chemical overload and allow our children’s bodies to handle them more effectively.
Understanding Vaccine Ingredients
Let’s dissect this. We felt that the volume of vaccines administered too early could lead to an accumulation of adjuvants in the body, potentially harmful, especially for neurological development. Spacing out those vaccines seemed like a logical choice to us, allowing the body to detoxify slowly.
Now, let’s talk about those man-made additives. While they often come with a negative connotation, many are indeed safe. Take aluminum, for example. It can be toxic in large amounts, but the aluminum salts used in vaccines are safe at the levels present. In fact, an infant receives less aluminum from a vaccine than they would from a liter of infant formula or even breast milk.
Another additive, formaldehyde, is used to inactivate viruses and detoxify toxins in bacteria. While the word might sound alarming, the amount left in vaccines is significantly lower than what naturally occurs in a newborn’s body—50 to 70 times less. Once you delve into the science behind vaccine ingredients, they become far less intimidating and appear more essential.
Vaccination vs. Natural Infection
The notion that children today are overwhelmed with too many antigens is simply false. In fact, kids receive far fewer antigens now than they did back in 1980, with the count dropping from about 3,041 to approximately 153. Their immune systems are less burdened than before. So, while we might cherish the past in other areas, when it comes to vaccines, modern methods are superior.
After conducting thorough research from credible, peer-reviewed sources—and not from alternative health figures like Dr. Mercola—we concluded that vaccines are indeed safe. Yes, I acknowledge that some individuals may experience adverse reactions to vaccines. I suspect the incidence is higher than official statistics indicate but far lower than claims made by some alternative health advocates. Nevertheless, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks when compared to the diseases they guard against.
Consider the alternative. I’ve had invitations to “pox parties” where children are intentionally exposed to chickenpox. I declined. Before the vaccine was available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 150,000 to 200,000 individuals experienced complications from chickenpox each year. About 11,000 required hospitalization, and roughly 100 people lost their lives. The complications can be severe, leading to skin infections, pneumonia, brain inflammation, and more. I won’t take that risk with my kids. The CDC states that getting vaccinated is far safer than contracting the disease. So, my children received their shots. It wasn’t a walk in the park, but I’d choose that over the risk of encephalitis or worse.
Finding Balance
You can pursue a natural lifestyle for your children while still recognizing the importance of vaccinations. You can fill your home with eco-friendly toys, brew delicious kombucha, and enjoy homemade sauerkraut, all while understanding the personal and societal necessity of immunizations. I’m a free spirit who has done my research, and I stand firmly in favor of vaccinations. For more insights on this topic, check out one of our other blog posts here.
In summary, embracing a holistic lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to forgo vaccinations. It’s possible to nurture a natural environment for your children while also protecting them through scientifically-backed immunizations. A balanced approach ensures they grow up safe and healthy.
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