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| Liam - Three Months |
Yesterday our wee man turned three months. Today we celebrated with shots! I don't know how, but we are just starting his rounds of vaccines. He was behind as he got hep B at his one month appointment and didn't have a two month appointment. I assummed he'd get them yesterday at the doctor's office, however, due to some changes in NC state programs our small pediatrician's office doesn't have vaccines anymore, so we were sent to my favorite place, the Naval Hopsital, for them. After a two hour wait Liam finally got his vaccines. (Hence why the Naval Hospital is my favorite. ;) )
Originally I had planned on using Dr. Bob Sears' alternate vaccine schedule. DH and I were both irritated by the two hour wait and he and the nurse talked me into getting the full round of two month shots. That's six vaccines versus the two I had planned on him receiving today. BIG MISTAKE! Liam was not a happy camper. He was inconsolable. His legs were so swollen and red. His thighs were the same size as his ankels, literally. It was so sad. A little Tylenol and a lot of rest and he seems to be a much happier baby. Hopefully tomorrow he'll be back to normal.
Needless to say, there are a few things I learned from this experience. First, trust your instincts. Mommas know their babies and we should follow our heart when it comes to these matters. Even if the hubby or the nurse thinks you're crazy! I had decided on the alternate vaccine schedule and I will return to it. No more than two shots at a time for Liam. It's just what's best for our baby. Second, give your little one a dose of Tylenol about an hour before the shots. It really will help prevent the pain so that no matter how many shots they get, they'll hopefully be a little happier afterwards.
Of course, you should always consult your doctor and do what you think is best for your little one. Like I said, trust your instincts. Hindsight is 20/20, but I really wish I'd gone with my gut. In the future, I'll listen to the advice, but this mommy will not be swayed from her decision.
**EDIT** Below is Dr. Sears' vaccine schedule:
Please use this list as a tool to disuss vaccinating with your pediatrician.
Dr. Sear's Alternative Vaccine Schedule
- 2 months: DTaP, Rotavirus
- 3 months*: Pc, HIB
- 4 months: DTaP, Rotavirus
- 5 months*: Pc, HIB
- 6 months: DTaP, Rotavirus
- 7 months*: Pc, HIB
- 9 months: Polio (IPV)
- 12 months: Mumps, Polio (IPV)
- 15 months: Pc, HIB
- 18 months: DTaP, Chickenpox
- 2 years: Rubella, Polio (IPV)
- 2 1/2 years*: Hep B, Hep A (start Hep B at birth if any close relatives or caregivers have Hep B)
- 3 years: Hep B, Measles
- 3 1/2 years*: Hep B, Hep A
- 4 years: DTaP, Polio (IPV)
- 5 years: MMR
- 6 years: Chickenpox
- 12 years: Tdap, HPV
- 12 years, 2 months*: HPV
- 13 years: HPV, Meningococcal (once Meningococcal vaccine is approved for age 2, Dr. Sears will move it there and delay Hep B by 6 months)
Yes, I agree that you should stick to your gut about what's best for YOUR BABY. :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you Gretchen. As Liam's Mommy, only you know best. This is your baby and no one elses. That always irritated me when Angel was a baby. Everyone knew exactly what was best for MY baby! Hold your ground. I am here if you need to chit chat. Give hugs to Liam from me.
ReplyDeleteDo they not have the combo vaccines? My two-month-olds usually only get 3 vaccines total. It is about 7 different vaccines, but only 3 pokes. Sorry you had such a miserable experience. Praying things are better tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThey were combo vaccines. So I think he had three pokes and the oral. I honestly didn't expect him to have any reaction after his lack of reaction from the hep b, but he was miserable. He was mostly better by tonight, but I can spare him the pain and make an extra visit to the clinic, even if the wait annoys me! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your support ladies! Motherhood is hard, but we all learn as we go a bit I suppose!
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