This post is really great and it speaks volumes for the amount of trust that is automatically put into doctors (and other professionals). Now listen, I'm not screaming conspiracy theory here, or anything like that, but just because someone tells you something is right, or best, or must be done, does not take the responsibility off of yourself to research the subject. If in the end, your findings bring right back to where your doctor had you, awesome. But what if your findings lead you to what this article is about to show you? I'd feel so much better about not getting that shot.

My suggestion to anyone (pregnant or not) this flu season is to research, research, research. Ask your doctor to see the pamphlet that comes with every vaccine. Visit the manufacturer's websites. Go to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention's website. Here you will find possible side effects of certain vaccines. 

And last, but definitely not least, trust your gut and instincts. If you don't want the vaccination, don't get it. Don't let yourself be bullied into thinking if you pass on the flu vaccination, it means you don't love your baby. I have seen far too many mamas-to-be say, "I didn't really want the shot. But both my doctor and pediatrician thought it was best, so I did it anyway."

So read on. Click links. Learn something new and pass the information forward.

-Jen

Thanks to Birth Without Fear for the wonderful post.... 

If You Love Your Baby, You Will Get the Flu Vaccine. Right?

 What a BRILLIANT campaign. Pull at people’s heart strings by telling them if they actually love their family, they must get the flu shot to protect them. What the advertisers fail to mention is how unsafe the flu vaccine can really be.

Did you know there are literally thousands of different flu strands? How do they decide which ones to put into the vaccine? After the WHO gives their recommendations as to which strands they feel are most likely to be a threat, each country has the final say. In the United States, the FDA makes that decision.

 How does this affect a pregnant mother?

The following is an insert from one of the flu vaccine manufacturers:

“Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine or Fluzone vaccine. It is also not known whether these vaccines can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.”

Just for kicks, here is what they say for nursing mothers:

“It is not known whether Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine or Fluzone vaccine is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when this vaccine is administered to a nursing woman.”

After reading that would you as a pregnant mother feel safe injecting the flu vaccine into your body? Having knowledge arms us with the ability to make educated choices.

For the 2010 flu vaccine, there are three strands of the flu, including last year’s H1N1 virus aka Swine Flu!  There is no longer a choice of getting the seasonal flu shot and/or the H1N1There were many cases of miscarriages linked to the H1N1 last year. because it is a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. The H1N1 has not been studied for safety on pregnant women or infants. YOU are the study.

What can you do?

The following is a list of things you can do to naturally protect yourself from the flu and ensure you have a strong immune system:

• Chiropractic Care
• Supplements such as Vitamin C and D3
• Regular exercise and fresh air
• Restful Sleep
• Healthy plant-based diet

And what if you DO get the flu? Is it really the end of the world? Think about it. You can get the flu vaccine with chemicals, toxins, and flu strands that include the H1N1. You don’t know exactly how that will affect your baby and there is no guarantee you won’t get the flu. The other option is to decline the flu shot and take the chance of possibly getting the flu as well.  With the latter option, your immune system naturally builds antibodies and becomes stronger on it’s own. No chemicals or toxins.

Do not get  the flu vaccine based on fear, especially when pregnant! Educate yourself, then have faith in your body. It was designed to keep you healthy better than any pill or shot can. Do all you can to protect yourself naturally. Your baby will thank you.