Birth

A good friend of mine and his new wife are about to have a baby! His wife is so super cute... all baby belly. ;)

My friend called me today and said he had a "baby" question. His wife has been advised by her doctor to get the flu and swine flu vaccination. He wanted to know my take on that.

Personally, I would not get vaccinated while I was pregnant. Personally, I would not get vaccinated while I wasn't pregnant. ;) Getting sick with the flu, while pregnant, is usually no big deal.

The swine flu? I have all kinds of other opinions on that.... either way, I think our bodies are amazing at healing from illness in general.

My history with vaccinations are with my kiddos. My oldest, Shay, was vaccinated until the age of seven. She has been, and currently is, my "sickest" kiddo. Tiana was vaccinated until the age of six months. At six months old she had a seizure in relation to vaccines she was given just days before.

The doctor would not admit or validate the two (the seizure and the vaccines) were related. That is when I researched her symptoms and vaccines (general info and side effects). I concluded that they were directly related and canceled her next appointment for vaccinations the day before the appointment. Whew... I felt relieved and felt like that could have saved Tiana from autism or further negative reactions to the drugs.

Since then, I have not vaccinated any of my other children. We go through the flu and now chickenpox knowing we will just be stronger on the flip side of these illnesses.

My friend then wondered if they had to vaccinate their child if they were going to send them to public school. No, you do not HAVE to vaccinate them in order for them to attend school.... at least in Colorado. You may sign a waiver at the school or at the county saying you chose not to vaccinate.

My conversation with my friend continued and we got to talking about the vitamin K shot at birth, the hospital regulations, if he and his wife have the "authority" to say no, the birth of the placenta, taking the baby to bathe her right after delivery, etc.

Again, these are my personal opinions...

When your baby is born, they say the baby needs this vitamin K shot to help clot their blood. They warn that the baby could hemorrhage and die if they don't get this shot.

My opinion - when your baby is born, allow the blood from the placenta to drain completely before cutting the umbilical cord. That blood is essential for the baby. It is full of nutrients that the baby is certainly entitled to and the baby needs. Let the cord run dry. No vitamin K shot needed.

Do you have the right to say no in the hospital?

My opinion - absolutely! This is your baby and your birth experience. You have every right to make choices. I said no.... many times. That doesn't mean the nurses or doctors will like you.... but, you'll probably never see them again anyway. This is an important event in your life... take the reins!

I said no to sitting down during labor/delivery... gravity was my friend.
I said no to keeping the monitor on during labor/delivery.
Nope, I am not okay with this blood pressure thing going off every fifteen minutes.
Nope, you may not "check" me to see how far I am dialated.
No drugs for me, thanks.
Nope, you may not hook me up to an IV.
Nope, you may not take my baby right at birth... put them to my breast, please.
Nope, you may not bathe my baby.... he needs this "white coating" on his skin to protect his body. I will wash him at home... thanks.
Nope, you may not give them the vitamin K shot, or any other shots.
Nope, you cannot put antibiotic ointment in their eyes.
Nope, you may not weigh them right away.... and when you do weigh them, put a blanket down on that oh so cold scale, please.
Nope, don't shine that light in their eyes when they are first born.
The baby will be born into a peaceful room with dimmed lighting and quiet voices.
Nope, I am not getting out of this tub.... I am delivering right here.
Nope, you may not push on my belly until the placenta is delivered... it knows when to come out.
Nope, you may not come in and wake this baby up every hour to check their vitals.
Nope, no hearing test for my baby. I'll know....
Nope, no circumcision for this boy.
You may not take my baby to the nursery. I will sleep with my baby in this bed, thanks... and yes, it is safe.
Nope, I will not supplement her diet with formula.... my breasts will nourish her. There are ways to increase my milk supply, if needed.
Yep, we are leaving the hospital now. I will sign whatever papers necessary to leave "early."
Nope, I am not worried about my baby dieing.... I take full responsibility.

Yes, home birth (I had one) would have been a better option for me, for sure... but you do have super, crazy rights to make choices in the hospital. Just know that!

Go with your gut. If you feel it, go with it. If you fear it, maybe think twice. It's really whatever you believe and feel to be true.