Hey there, new mom friend,
It’s Lucy here — you know, the mom of little Ethan. You might recognize him as the one who’s had a tracheostomy and is navigating life with congenital heart disease. I’m thrilled that our kids are getting together for a playdate! Playdates are such a joy, aren’t they? Or maybe it’s the wine that makes it all the better? Either way, I’m excited!
Ethan has spent quite a bit of time in the hospital — more than any baby should have to endure. He’s faced numerous challenges, from major surgeries to ongoing treatments, which makes moments like these all the more special for us. My husband and I have eagerly anticipated this day when we could finally introduce him to the world outside those hospital walls.
But there’s something I need to ask you, and it’s a bit personal: Is your child vaccinated?
Ah, the “v” word — one that ignites strong feelings, much like recent political debates. Many parents choose not to discuss it, believing it’s solely a personal choice. However, for families like ours, it’s a matter of utmost importance.
Ethan was born full-term but faced significant health challenges right from the start. At 38 weeks, he weighed just around 5 pounds and was born with several complications. Along with his heart and jaw issues, he had to undergo a tracheostomy, bowel resection, and open-heart surgery before turning four months old. Throughout all of this, we fought hard against various infections, often relying on powerful antibiotics to protect his fragile system.
Initially, we planned to fully vaccinate Ethan. My husband and I have reviewed the research, understand the risks, and recognize the benefits of vaccinations — especially after witnessing the devastation caused by preventable diseases. Unfortunately, in a hospital setting, the priority often lies with immediate life-saving treatments, rather than vaccinations. Ethan’s compromised immune system means he isn’t quite ready to handle vaccinations just yet, but we do have a plan in place with his doctors to catch up when he is.
The argument against vaccinating often revolves around the belief that parents know their children best and can choose what’s necessary for them. But consider Ethan and countless kids like him who are born with congenital heart disease or are undergoing cancer treatments. Many of these children are too young or too ill to be vaccinated, and they rely on the immunity of others to keep them safe.
When these vulnerable kids get sick, it isn’t just a simple case of bed rest and soup; it can lead to hospital visits, oxygen treatments, and extended recovery periods. Some may not even make it home.
So, perhaps it’s not too much to ask that you consider vaccinating your child. It’s just one mom reaching out to another, hoping to ensure that our kids can play together without fear of illness. I truly hope my request doesn’t offend you; it’s simply about keeping our little ones safe. And by the way, I brought some delightful white wine to share!
Warm wishes,
Lucy