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Newborns and kids who haven't been vaccinated
This isn't meant to start a debate, but rather because I need a litmus test of whether I'm being an over paranoid mommy.
I have a friend who wants to come visit. She has two kids - 5 and 2, (the 5 year old is in school) neither of whom have been vaccinated.
EDITED: They have never been vaccinated for anything. Their parents don't believe in it.
G is obviously too young to get his vaccines and I'm leaning towards asking her not to bring the kids. The 5 year old is a handful and even if we tell her she can't touch him, I guarantee she will. The mom has NO control over her.
Aside from that, they've been sick pretty much since the school year started. I know she wouldn't bring them here if they were currently sick, but it's literally been a non-stop flu at their house for months.
So, am I within sane mommy rights to ask for an adult only visit or am I being a bit over cautious.
Re: Newborns and kids who haven't been vaccinated
Vaccinated in general or vaccinated for the flu?
I've heard of parents making a "no kids under 12 can visit for the first 8 weeks" rule. As a non-parent I figure it doesnt matter if they're being overly cautious/paranoid or not, it's their kid they can have whatever visiting rules make them comfortable.
I think it would be ok to tell her the kids can't come, this early. Some people don't leave the house for the first few weeks/months for the same reason.
but at the same time, I am sure the kids would love to see the baby. I don't think there is any more risk that they will bring germs, rather than vaccinated kids, as long as the kids are not sick at the time. Vaccines are for things like polio, meningitis, diptheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella... not exactly common (other than chicken pox).
It wouldnt matter if they are vaccinated or not at this point as G has anti bodies from you; or atleast this is what I have been advised.
I believe you are within total sanity to ask for a adult only visit at this time.
If they have been sick for a few months now off and on; there is a good chance that they still have a bug dormit or could be contagious and not have the symtoms yet.
I've been told that this is true for the first year of a baby's life. With that being said though you need to do what you think is best for Gavin.
"It wouldnt matter if they are vaccinated or not at this point as G has anti bodies from you; or atleast this is what I have been advised."
As far as I understand, even though BM is pretty amazing stuff the immunities aren't for things that the baby would be vaccinated for later in life.
e.g. "Breastfeeding has been shown to be protective against many illnesses, including ear infections, upper and lower respiratory ailments, allergies, intestinal disorders, colds, viruses, staph, strep and e coli infections, diabetes, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, many childhood cancers, meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, salmonella, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as well as lifetime protection from crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, some lymphomas, insulin dependent diabetes, and for girls, breast and ovarian cancer (La Leche League). "
I think it is totally acceptable to ask that she not bring her children along.
Unless you are specifically talking about the flu vaccination, then I don't really see much difference between vaccinated or not.
That said, I don't plan to have any little kids (other than babies) over either and you are without a doubt, fully within your rights to request that. I guess I'm just saying that it doesn't make a difference to me whether the kids are vaccinated or not, they still aren't coming over to my home
I also have friends who have non-stop colds in their house for months, which is why I'm implementing the flat rule.
I would be more concerned about the fact that they have had the flu/colds non stop in their house then the vaccinations.
How does one get into school without vaccinations???
alot of districts make you sign a no-fault type of waiver/agreement.
Amy, you need to do what makes you feel comfortable.
It is rare for babies under 3 months to get sick at all, but personally if it was my baby, I wouldn't take the chance. Having a sick baby is a nightmare to deal with, even if it is just minor thing like a cold.
I would tell her the true and make is an adult only visit.
If you are breastfeeding baby is getting all the antibodies from you.
My SIL also has not had her second vaccinated at all, she did not start the series and has not delayed, just has not done it she had her first done and swears that this is why her daughter has asthma.
Our DS is vaccinated and all done until he is school age which is good and makes me feel good as well.
As a side note, we have already told SIL that she is more than welcome to come visit when baby#2 arrives, but we do not want her kids around, they are constantly sick, have had chicken pox and all that wonderful stuff just recently so I am very apprehensive to have her kids around our newborn. YOu need to do what you feel is comfortable, and if she is a true friend she will understand, otherwise, she will have to wait until you feel comfortable enough to have the kids around G>
I would tell her no kids until G is a bit older. I have had a sick toddler almost all winter and it has been hell on earth. I would hate to see a newborn go through what he's gone through. His vaccinations are all up to date, and he was BF, but there's still stuff that gets around.
And, as the mom, its your right to say no and to not feel guilty about it. You need to think about whats best for the little one, and not whats best for other people's feelings.
I'd just be up front about your worries and let her know you haven't let any kids be near G. I was the same way. If she starts to judge, just say (like I did), "I realize it sounds silly but I'm really paranoid and am playing it safe rather than sorry."
She should understand.