Breast Milk Kicks Badonkadonk

Breast feeding can be is challenging. If you throw pumping breast milk into the mix, it becomes an even nobler feat.

I am currently nursing my second child who just happens to have reached that notorious 5 month mark. It’s the time when several facets come together to make breast feeding even more challenging. Lower supply, refusing to nurse, growth spurts, emerging teeth, and plus you near that imaginary time of 6 months when it’s “okay” to stop (please note the WHO and AAP recommends breastfeeding until at least the age of 12 months).

I’ve found myself there, in the pit of the 5 month drag. I found myself thinking, “This is much more challenging then I remember from my first child”. Not only am I working full time, but I’m pumping full time as well to increase the supply. 5am

pump, 6am nurse, 8am pump, 10am pump, 12pm nurse, 3pm pump, 5 pm nurse, rest of the night nurse, nurse, nurse! (Don’t forget the 25 glasses of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.)

My supply has gone back up dramatically because of the extra effort and time I put in – but I wonder how quickly (and easily) I would declare defeat if I didn’t think to myself: “There is no other alternative”. Because to me, there is none. I’ll pull out every trick in the damn book if I have to – and I have pulled a lot of tricks out due to this 5 month old slump.

So, in honor of all the other mothers (and supportive fathers) that are trudging through this hard time, here are some well known and not so well known reasons why breast milk kicks ass.

****

· Breast feeding increases gut acidity, helping to stop harmful bacteria from growing and encourages positive bacteria to thrive which aids digestion. Formula contains milk proteins which strip the gut of its flora. [1]

· Breast and formula fed infants differ in growth and in cognitive, emotional and social development. [2] [3] [4]

· Breast feeding provides protection from SIDS, eczema, juvenile onset diabetes, gastrointestinal, urinary and respiratory infections, childhood asthma, leukaemia and obesity. [2] [3] [4]

· Breast milk flushes viruses, bacteria, dirt and other undesirable microbes from the GI tract, whilst lining it to protect against allergens and infections. [2] [3] [4]

· Bifidobacteria is higher in breastfed babies which is protects against diarrhea. E coli, streptococci, clostridia and bactericides are increased in formula fed babies and therefore the gut flora more closely mimics an adults’ composition. [5] [6]

· The dynamic composition of breast milk cannot ever be replicated and it has many immunological components such as prebiotic oligosaccharides and probiotics. [5] [6]

· The temperature, consistency and composition of breast milk are always optimal.  [7]

· Breast feeding reduces risks of breast and ovarian cancer later in life, helps women return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster, and lowers rates of obesity.  [7]

· Adults who were breastfed as babies often have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol, as well as lower rates type-2 diabetes. [7]

· There is evidence that people who were breastfed perform better in intelligence tests. [7]

· Infant formula does not contain the antibodies found in breast milk and is linked to some risks, such as water-borne diseases that arise from mixing powdered formula with unsafe water. Malnutrition can result from over-diluting formula. [7]

· Research shows a relationship between breastfeeding and weight control later in life. Breastfed infants self-regulate their intake; breastfed infants have lower plasma insulin levels, which “stimulate greater adipose tissue deposition; and breastfed infants have an increased level of leptin, a protein hormone in human milk. Leptin is thought to be a key regulator of appetite and body fatness.” [8]

· Breastfeeding is protective against SIDS. This is because the protective effect of “IgA on bacterial toxins, the presence of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, faster development of the central nervous system, and the benefit of tactile stimulation during night feeds.” [9]

· Breast milk provides long-term cognitive benefits. Breastfeeding for eight months or more resulted in a significant increase in the verbal and performance IQ scores in children at 7-8 years. [10]

· Breastfeeding for at least 16 months substantially reduced their risk of premenopausal breast cancer.[11]

· When breastfeeding you burn up to an extra 500 calories per day.

· The average amount of openings in the nipple is 9, with some even up to 18. Something completely random, but I had to add since I thought this was totally interesting. 

· Breastfeeding exposes a baby to many different tastes and smells. Early exposure to different flavors influences a child's acceptance of food later in life. [12] [13] [14]

· Breast feeding is energy efficient and there is less waste associated with it. [15]

· Breast milk is made as required to suit your baby. Formulas are made to suit every baby. [16]

· Breast feeding enhances maternal behavior through increased oxytocin release. [17]

· Breast feeding is a natural birth control as it naturally suppresses ovulation. [17]

· Breast milk aids in more protection against ear infections, respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney infections, meningitis, botulism, childhood lymphoma, crohn's disease and ulcerative entercolits. [18]

· Breast milk is free.

· Moms miss less time off from work due to child related illnesses. [18] [19]

· Nursing promotes facial structure development, enhanced speech,  straighter teeth and enhances vision. [18]

· The cells, hormones, and antibodies in breast milk provide a unique protection from illnesses.[19]

This post is intended to support mothers that breastfeed. It’s not to blame, criticize, or fault mothers who use other forms of nutrition. Whether we breastfeed, formula feed or do both – we are all mothers who occasionally need support and encouragement. Please use discretion when commenting on this post, as I will not allow defamatory, hurtful comments.

References

[1]  http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/delay-solids.html

[2] Earle, S., Factors affecting the initiation of breastfeeding: Implications for breastfeeding promotion, Health Promotion International, 17(3), 2002, pp.205-213

[3] Cohen, R., Mrtek, M.B, Mrtek, R.G., Comparison of maternal absenteeism and infant illness rates among breast-feeding and formula-feeding women in two corporations, American Journal of Health Promotion, 1995, pp.148-153

[4] Anderson, J.W., Johnstone, B.M., Remley, D.T., Breast-feeding and cognitive development: a meta-analysis, American Journal of Nutrition, 70, 1999, pp.525-535

[5] Mackie, R.I., Sghir, A., Gaskins, H.R., Developmental microbial ecology of the neonatal gastrointestinal tract, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 69, 1999, pp.1035S-1042S

[6] Vandenplas, Y., Veerman-Wauters, G., DeGreef, E., Mahler, T., Devreker, T., Hauser, B., Intestinal Microbiota and health in Childhood, Bioscience Microflora, 30(4), 2011, pp.111-117

[7] http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/breastfeeding/en/index.html

[8] Dewey, K.G. Is breastfeeding protective against child obesity? J Human Lact 2003; 19 (1) 9-18.

[9]Kum-Nji, P.et al. Reducing the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in the delta region of Mississippi: A three-pronged approach. South Med J 2001-7; 94 (&); 704-10.

[10]Horwood, L. J. et al. Breast milk feedings and cognitive ability at 7-8 years. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed

2001:84:423-27.

[11]Enger, S.M. et al. Breastfeeding hisotry, pregnancy experience and risk of breast cancer. Br J Cancer 1997; 76(1);118-23.

[12] C. A. Forestell and J. A. Mennella Early Determinants of Fruit and Vegetable Acceptance Pediatrics, December 1, 2007; 1206: 1247 - 1254.

[13] J. A. Mennella, C. E. Griffin, and G. K. Beauchamp Flavor Programming During Infancy Pediatrics, April 1, 2004; 1134: 840 - 845.

[14] J. A Mennella, C. A Forestell, L. K Morgan, and G. K Beauchamp Early milk feeding influences taste acceptance and liking during infancy Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, September 1, 2009; 903: 780S - 788S.

[15] http://www.medela.com/IW/en/breastfeeding/good-to-know/breastfeeding-facts.html

[16] Newman, Jack. UNICEF. All About Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding Myths part 1 . http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/all_about_myths1.html#M1_1

[17] http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/08/26/probably-best-way-to-enhance-your-babys-gut-and-brain-development.aspx

[18] http://www.motheringfromtheheart.com/Benefits.htm

[19] http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/why-breastfeeding-is-important

Words From The Heart

Here is a compilation of poems I have written over the last year. Most of which I have posted in the past-I explain them briefly as well.

Here is a poem about my experience in holding my baby excessively, spoiling her tons, and making others pissed off because I wouldn’t let them hold her – i.e. new mommy syndrome. People would tell me to put her down if she was sleeping and I would never listen to their silly advice. I enjoyed holding her every moment I could, especially when she was sleeping….

In My Arms

Slumber softly…

Your eyes are closed,

But I can still see your world

Even more so.

Your soul drifts to play in another realm,

While I hold on close and tight.

Your warmth imparts a tranquil feeling,

I feel your breath and learn everything this universe has to offer.

A feeling so full,

Every part of my being is joyous.

The harmony starts and seems overwhelming as if I was in front of a firing range,

One shot after another,

Exterminating all hate and pain from the heart.

Sleeping so softy,

Unknowingly releasing the strongest of all storms upon me,

One that leaves only beauty and joy in its wake.

No longer present,

there is only Love which encapsulates this moment.

Then a smile,

She has journeyed back from her peaceful world,

In my arms.

We all have experiences with people in our lives that are critical, harsh and judgmental. This poem, I wrote nearly a year ago, still holds a strong place in my heart. I wanted to write about how the act of condemnation only truly harms the person holding onto such conviction – and freedom and love should still be given unconditionally.

I always try and remember how I would want my daughters to act – even in the case of someone acting cruel towards them; I would want them to be a beacon of light …. Never letting that darkness shadow over them.  

Loved, Infinitely

The frosty smack of condemnation is upon your breath
like the bitter wind blowing at the end of days.
With it comes the absence of faith for your brothers and sisters.

Harboring love and disgust in the same soul,
What a feat, the impossible!
See your brother with conviction,
You shall glimpse the same within yourself.

Treat your brother with fault,
You shall guard yourself with blame.

Judgment blinds the eyes
an arduous canopy of shade.
A zealous thug to all human kind.

Graceful, letting the grasp of ruling loosen
like a slithering snake retreating from its predator.
Blessed with one more day to endure.

Renegade from the sinister eclipse
do not fear to love.
For you are loved, infinitely.



I wrote these two poems when I was dealing with fear. I now make it a genuine habit to make choices not in fear, but in trust, faith and love.

Shine

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure!

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be: brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?”
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are of the Divine.
Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine,
as children do.

We were born to make manifest the Ultimate.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

Birthright: Trust

Fear keeps one from living

living the life we were meant to live.

There’s nothing more important,

seeing this truth.

The degree to which we trust life

is the degree to which we can be happy

be at peace.

None of us are in this Life alone.

Children with natural beliefs, a world full of support. 

Racing downhill on bikes,

no hands.

Hurling on fast sleds,

without a thought. 

Climbing trees,

swinging with one hand

from the highest branches. 

Taking risks,

stretching  limits,

jumping boldly from a high dive.

What happens to this trust,

this confidence,

our certainty in life?

Adults may say they trust in life,

But they cannot recall last time they were consumed completely

with trust in everyday events in life

The ribbon of life is dynamic, a fluid process.

Every day we experience events that are not planned.

We have the ulitimate power to declare

defeat or victory;

trust that every event is there for a reason.

I am an extremely spiritual person. I have not always been, and I don’t regret that – I only embrace it. It allowed me to grow significantly as a mother, a wife, a friend. This poem is about faith as I understand it. Complete surrender, transitioning from resistance in life to full acceptance.

Let It Be

Even within the seemingly most unacceptable, painful situations

concealed is a deeper good.

Within every disaster

contained is a seed of grace.

Surrender.

Give up trying to understand

welcome the easy of not knowing.

Surrender,

the inner transition from resistance to acceptance,

from “no” to “yes”.

Whatever you accept completely

 will take you to peace.

Leave Life alone.

Let it be.

These next three poems I did not write, but they are some of my all time favorites and they inspire me. I hope they inspire you as well…

Reach for the Sun

It's not only children who grow.
Parents do too.
As much as we watch to see what our children
do with their lives, they are watching us to see
what we do with ours.
I can't tell my children to reach for the sun.
All I can do is reach for it, myself.

-Joyce Maynard

Outwitted

He drew a circle that shut me out,

heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.

But Love and I had the wit to win,

We drew a circle that took him in.

-Edwin Markham

Your Children are Not Your Children

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you,

And though they are with you, they do not belong to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls,

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday. You are the bow from which your children as livings arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,

And He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer’s hands be for gladness;

For even He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

-The Prophet 1951

So An Unvaccinated Child Got Your Kid Sick?

All human beings have the ability to spread a virus, bacteria or fungus. Period.

Whether or not someone is vaccinated against a specific illness does not mean they cannot spread disease.

Whether a person manifests the symptoms of a disease is based upon the fact that his or her immune system was not capable of protecting the body.

This confuses me: You expect my child to get a vaccination to protect yours?

Some parents believe the risks associated with vaccines are negligible. I doubt these individuals have ever met or spoken with a mother or father that has a child that suffers from a vaccine related injury. I doubt these individuals have examined the clinical trials performed on a vaccine. I doubt these parents understand the accurate scope of what herd immunity is and what it is not.

I do believe, however, they want to protect their children and that they are coming from a place of love. That’s why I do not want to attack or condemn my fellow mamas. I only want to provide information I have come across. They can make their own decision – I only ask for them to show the same respect.

Consider: Vaccinated people get the disease they are being vaccinated against.


Scenario: It happens, a child receives the rotavirus vaccine and then several months or years later they get sick with that virus. (Did you know that by the age of five, nearly every child in the world has been infected with rotavirus at least once- vaccinated or not.) [1] The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal

The rotavirus vaccine isn’t alone in respects to losing it’s effectiveness over time.  

There have been studies documenting the elevated rate of disease in highly vaccinated populations. We must understand that administering a vaccine does not protect a child as much as we are lead to believe.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of some studies/reports documenting the incidence of disease in highly vaccinated populations.


1. Immunogenicity of second dose measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and implications for serosurveillance. Pebody RG, Gay NJ, Hesketh LM, Vyse A, Morgan-Capner P, Brown DW, Litton P, Miller E. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11803074&dopt=Abstract

“Measles and mumps outbreaks have been reported amongst populations highly vaccinated with a single dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.”



2. Outbreak of influenza in highly vaccinated crew of U.S. Navy Ship. Earhart KC, Beadle C, Miller LK, Pruss MW, Gray GC, Ledbetter EK, Wallace MR. PMID: 11384530 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11384530?dopt=Abstract

“An outbreak of influenza A occurred aboard a U.S.

Navy ship in February 1996, despite 95% of the crew's having been appropriately vaccinated.”

3. Genetic evolution under vaccine pressure: the Bordetella pertussis model. Simondon F, Guiso N. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11030058&dopt=Abstract

“Outbreaks in highly vaccinated populations have been reported, raising the issues of vaccine efficacy, of the long-term effect of vaccines on the transmission of the disease, and of genetic selective pressure.”

4. From the CDC: Transmission of measles among a highly vaccinated school population--Anchorage, Alaska, 1998. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9921727&dopt=Abstract

“This was the largest outbreak of measles in the United States
since 1996. 33 confirmed measles cases were reported to the Anchorage Department of Health and Human Services and the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (ADHSS). Of these, 26 cases were confirmed by positive rubeola IgM antibody test, and seven met the clinical case definition.”

5. Measles antibody levels in a vaccinated population in Brazil
. Cox MJ, Azevedo RS, Massad E, Fooks AR, Nokes DJ. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9764341&dopt=Abstract

“The study suggested that, within highly vaccinated populations, a proportion of individuals had measles antibody levels which may be insufficient to protect against re-infection or clinical disease.”


6. Pertussis outbreak -- Vermont, 1996. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9310216&dopt=Abstract

This report describes a statewide outbreak of pertussis in Vermont

(1995 population: 584,771) in 1996 in a highly vaccinated population.
7. Outbreaks in highly vaccinated populations: implications for studies of vaccine performance. Fine PE, Zell ER. Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta
, GA 30333. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8296777&dopt=Abstract

8. An outbreak of whooping cough in a highly vaccinated urban community. Strebel P, Hussey G, Metcalf C, Smith D, Hanslo D, Simpson J. Centre for Epidemiological Research, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2027168&dopt=Abstract

9. From the CDC: Varicella Outbreak Among Vaccinated Children --- Nebraska
, 2004 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5527a3.htm
81% of the population infected had been vaccinated.

10. Whooping Cough in California Worries Officials. ABC Healthnews. June 24, 2010

.

11.  “Whooping Cough returns to Hunterdon County” by Mike Frasinelli, The Star-Ledger, February 11, 2009 .

12.  Waters, Valerie et al. "Outbreak of Atypical Pertussis Detected by Polymerase Chain Reaction in Immunized Preschool-Aged Children." Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 28(7):582-587, July 2009.

13.  "Many whooping cough victims have been immunized; Experts spar over prospects of new disease strain," by Kevin Crowe. Published December 13, 2010

14.  "Blurred lines of Influence," by Kevin Crowe and Roxanna Popescu. Published December 14, 2010

.

Consider: Vaccines lose effectiveness over time.

Vaccines do not eliminate disease. Vaccines, rather, attempt to elicit an immune response against a specific antigen in the body of that individual in hopes of long lasting effectiveness. If a vaccine is effective at elevating the antibody titers of a person, it does not necessarily mean that those levels will remain high over time.

Measles

Protection is estimated to persist for up to 11 years. In a measles outbreak in the U.S. in the late 1980's and early 1990's, it was found that there were a significant number of vaccine failures in older children, teenagers and adults, when the disease can be more severe. The government proceeded to recommend that a second MMR shot be given to boost immunity either before entrance to kindergarten or before entrance to junior high school. [2] NVIC  [3] WHO

Rubella

Rubella is extremely mild and not dangerous to children.  It is, however, potentially dangerous to pregnant women. Reduced antibody formation has been found 3-5 years after administering the vaccine and 25% of those tested showed no immunity to rubella at all. This means that babies and children who are vaccinated are likely not protected in adulthood. [4] Annals of Internal Medicine

Mumps

The Merck Manual describes it as a “common childhood disease”.  The manual also asserts that the immune system of a 6 month old is not always capable of mounting a response to the measles vaccine. Mumps immunization provides protection through the blood serum antibodies for at least 12 years, possibly longer. Though there are no studies indicating the actual length of effectiveness. (Please see above for the high incidence of measles in the vaccinated population.) [5] Taking Care of Your Child, 8th edition [6] Merck & Co., Inc M-M-M II Vaccine Insert

Tetanus

Tetanus is not passed from person to person. But for informational purposes, the tetanus vaccine is documented to last around 10 years, which is why it is recommended for adults to receive a booster every 10 years. 

Hep B

It is important to note that the theory/idea behind vaccinating newborns with the Hep B vaccine is that that they will be protected later in life when they are actually at risk for contracting the disease (the majority Hep B is spread through certain risky lifestyle choices such as sexual contact, sharing needles, etc. – of course if the mother has Hep B, then the call for vaccination would be greater).   There is evidence that immunity lasts up to ten years, but beyond that, the duration is uncertain, and the need for booster doses not defined (Journal Watch, 9/1/93.) This means that babies who are vaccinated are no longer protected when they are at greatest risk.  There are no booster doses currently mandated. 

HPV

Interestingly enough, many parents who do choose to vaccinate choose abstain from this vaccine.  Protection lasts for approximately 5 years. Most women are at greatest risk of HPV in their early 20s, usually from sexual behavior, but are first vaccinated at 11 – 12 years old, or as young as 9.  If protection lasts about 5 years, girls are no longer protected during their greatest risk period.  There is no data available on what the rate of “protection” is.  No long-term clinical studies exist for Gardasil since the vaccine has only been in the market for about 5 years. Though, in accordance with the FDA's recommendations, Merck is currently conducting a study of 44,000 subjects to uncover the short and long-term side effects of the vaccine. I guess we’ll see then. [7] FDA [8] MedicineNet

HIB

Length of protection is unknown.  HIB is a bacteria that lives naturally in the majority of children and is only dangerous if it gets into the bloodstream.  It can cause a variety of different illnesses; unless a culture is taken there is no way to determine if HIB was in fact the culprit. 

Since many people walk around with this bacterium already in their bodies, it is worth noting what causes some children and adults to develop the disease but not others is unknown. [9] NVIC

Consider: Vaccines Can Shed

Shedding is when the live virus that is injected via vaccine, moves through the human body and comes back out in the feces, droplets from the nose, or saliva from the mouth. Anyone who takes care of a vaccinated child could potentially contract the disease for some time after that child has received certain live vaccines. This was a huge problem with the oral polio vaccine, and was one of the reasons why it was taken off the market in the US. (The OPV is still used in developing counties.)


Here are the vaccines that shed or have been known to result in secondary transmission:

Measles Vaccine - Measles virus RNA has been detected in the urine of the vaccines as early as 1 day or as late as 14 days after vaccination. (10)

In France, measles virus was isolated in a throat swab of a recently vaccinated child 4 days after fever onset. The virus was then further genetically characterized as a vaccine-type virus. (11)

British Medical Journal, 4 July 1987  recommends that immuno-compromised children should be kept away from MMR vaccinated children for two weeks after vaccination due to the excretion of the virus.

According to the Medical Director of Merck who manufactures the MMR vaccine:  “The attenuated viruses in MMR can occasionally and to a limited extent be shed from a vaccinated individual into the environment.

April 1993 the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Japan decided to discontinue the use of the MMR vaccine (Sawada et al 1993; Lancet; 342 (7 August):371). This decision was prompted by published reports of vaccinated children and their unvaccinated contacts contracting mumps from the MMR vaccine

Rubella Vaccine - Excretion of small amounts of live attenuated rubella virus from the nose and throat has occurred in the majority of susceptible individuals 7-28 days after vaccination. Transmission of the vaccine virus via breast milk has been documented. (12)

Chicken Pox Vaccine - Vaccine-strain chickenpox has been found replicating in the lung (13) and documented as transmitting via zoster (shingles sores) (14) as well as “classic” chickenpox (6) rash post-vaccination.

Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) - In areas of the world where OPV is still used, children who have been vaccinated with it pass the virus into the water supply through the oral/feces route. Other children who then play in or drink that water pick up the vaccine viruses, which can pass from person to person and spark new outbreaks of polio. (15)

FluMist Vaccine - The mist contains live attenuated influenza viruses that must infect and replicate in cells lining the nasopharynx of the recipient to induce immunity. Vaccine viruses capable of infection and replication can be cultured from nasal secretions obtained from vaccine recipients.

Transmission of a vaccine virus from a FluMist recipient to a contact was documented in a pre-licensing trial. The contact had a mild symptomatic Type B virus infection confirmed as a FluMist vaccine virus. (16)

Rotavirus Vaccine (RotaTeq) - There is a possibility that one strain of rotavirus which is presently circulating may be an “escaped” vaccine strain, from an old Finnish rotavirus vaccine. (17)

Shared Goals: Having Healthy Children

“My son got _________ because of those unvaccinated kids out there! Those parents should be shot!”

How logical and fair is this argument?

Though we may not agree on how to get there, I know we all agree that we want all children to be healthy and happy. Blaming children, throwing around accusations, and charging mothers with endangering children doesn’t solve much – in fact, I can’t think of one problem these actions solve. Let’s agree to focus on how we can maintain our own health, how to make vaccine usage safer, and the importance of making an informed decision regarding disease management in our children.

Here is a list of some ways to enhance and support the health of children (and ourselves) that doesn’t involve a vaccine or playing the blame-game, of which, are more effective and encompass longer lasting results.

Prenatal Care

Breastfeeding

Diet

Lifestyle

Sleep

Hygiene

If you’ve come across this argument, that unvaccinated children spread disease, how did it make you feel as a parent? How did you react?



References :

[1] Bernstein DI (March 2009). "Rotavirus overview". The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 28 (3 Suppl): S50–3. doi:10.1097/INF.0b013e3181967bee. PMID 19252423. http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=0891-3668&volume=28&issue=3&spage=S50.

[2] http://www.nvic.org/Vaccines-and-Diseases/MMR.aspx

[3] http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs286/en/

[4] D. M. Horstmann "Controlling Rubella: Problems and Perspectives". Annals of Internal Medicine. vol. 83, no. 3, pg. 412

[5] Taking Care of Your Child, 8th edition
A Parent's Illustrated Guide to Complete Medical Care
 by Robert Pantell MD, Jim Fries MD, Don Vickery MD      
           
[6] Merck & Co., Inc M-M-M II Vaccine Insert: http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/m/mmr_ii/mmr_ii_pi.pdf    
     
[7] (U.S.

Food and Drug Administration, "FDA Approves Expanded Uses for Gardasil to Include Preventing Certain Vulvar and Vaginal Cancers").
[8] http://www.medicinenet.com/gardasil_hpv_vaccine/page2.htm

[9] www.nvic.org / http://stason.org/TULARC/child-parent/vaccinations/3d-4-How-long-does-the-HiB-vaccine-last.html

(10) Detection of Measles RNA http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC228449/

(11) Detection of measles vaccine in the throat of a vaccinated child. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11858860?dopt=AbstractPlus

(12) MMR II    http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/m/mmr_ii/mmr_ii_pi.pdf (4) Vaccine Oka Varicella-Zoster Virus  http://jid.oxfordjournals.org/content/193/7/927.full

(13) Chickenpox Attributable to a Vaccine Virus  http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/106/2/e28.full

(14) Genetic Profile of an Oka Varicella Vaccine Virus  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC535228/?tool=pubmed

(15) Polio Outbreak in Nigeria http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21149823/

(16) Flumist    http://www.medimmune.com/pdf/products/flumist_pi.pdf

(17) Human and Bovine Serotype G8 Rotaviruses http://www.springerlink.com/content/k32084k779x75k84/