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Everyday, do one thing that scares you.

click here to open post Oct 25, 2011 | posted in Baby Gavin, Sounds of Pertussis | 12 comments

Today, I did something that I’ve been really, really afraid of. I spoke to a reporter about childhood vaccinations.

For the past year and a half, I’ve been an open advocate for the importance of adult booster vaccines. I’ve been actively involved in the Sounds of Pertussis Campaign where, in conjunction with the March of Dimes, we’ve promoted the importance of the Tdap booster to create a sort of “cacoon of protection” around infants who are too young to have yet received their Pertussis vaccination.

But childhood vaccinations? This, my friends, is a whole new ballgame.

I’m afraid I’m heading blindly into a war zone. . .  like a lamb to the slaughter, you might say. Only time will tell.

Dear world, Go easy on me, K? I didn’t ask for any of this.

N

12 comments | add comment
  • Melody: I'm totally behind you. This is not something I want to argue about with people. I am pretty outspoken about the adult booster but people get crazy upset about childhood vaccinations! I don't like to tell parents what to do with their own kids but it does really suck that people can essentially make decisions about what other people's babies are exposed to by not vaccinating their own kids. That doesn't seem fair. It's a lot like how I thought it would be a good decision not to get a big dog because I don't want to deal with big poops in my yard. It's pretty lame that my neighbor got to make that decision for me by letting his big dog run free and poop in my yard. Not cool, man. Not cool. October 25, 2011 7:30 pm
  • Amanda: You are so inspiring, I wish that people could truly understand the impact of their actions and the fact that they are not only taking a chance with their child, but with someone else's child who they don't have control over :(. I am sure there will be many people who are touched and influenced by you and I hope that those who disagree will realize that you are speaking from experiences and be considerate! October 25, 2011 7:45 pm
  • Sarah in Adelaide: I think you are doing a great thing Natalie. I have always been open to individuals choosing what they deem is the best for their children, however the more I research this issue the more I am changing my mind on the issue of vaccinations. I would never want to live in a work where parents are no longer able to choose such things for their children but the alternatives are all too severe as you know all too well. I don't know what the answer is, but with vaccination rates on the decline we must speak out and if you have helped one child by doing so then the potential war is worth it. Sending strength and love. October 25, 2011 9:18 pm
  • Jo Thomas: Natalie, I believe one of the greatest evils of this world is indifference. Indifference to our fellow human companions does more damage than trying to help and getting it miserably wrong. You are NEVER indifferent; you pick something, you choose a side and you fight passionately. That takes courage because there are always going to be people who disagree with you, but even those who disagree will be inspired by your commitment to your beliefs. You are following every parents instinct - you are STANDING UP for your child; as a parent this is always our first priority. Doesn't matter what the rest of the world thinks. For the record, don't think for one second that I think you are getting it miserably wrong by advocating childhood vaccinations (I'm assuming you are for them? You've never really voiced your opinion?). It's such a sensitive issue and I know you will handle it with the understanding, encouraging nature you apply to everything. Yes, there are things that can go wrong with childhood vaccinations but it is my opinion that there are so many more things that can go wrong by NOT having them. Hold on tight girl, you are going to be in for a ride with this one but know that you'll have so many people praying for you and supporting you with our own actions and voices. Gavin deserves your voice to be heard, LOUD & CLEAR. Go Mummy! xxxx October 25, 2011 11:32 pm
  • Cindy: Since you are speaking from experience, and a horrible on at that, you obviously know what you are talking about. While others may disagree, I really hope they keep their mouths shut! :) I admire you and your strength so much. Your post about baby Gavin's 2nd Birthday had me in tears. I can't even begin to comprehend all you've been through and continue to go through. I'm simply amazed by you. Thank you for sharing your journey. October 26, 2011 7:40 am
  • niki: Vaccines save lives, plain and simple. We need more amazing women like you promoting what should have never been an issue in the first place! You have my support :) October 26, 2011 4:17 pm
  • Sara S: Good for you! I think it's so important and I applaud you for doing it. Thanks to you I've urged people for the pertussis immunizations. Thanks for all your work! October 26, 2011 4:17 pm
  • Naomi: Natalie...I don't like to count the many interviews my sweet husband and I have done on Pertussis, TDaP, and child/adult immunizations. We've done several newspaper interviews, attended several luncheons where we had to recount our story, done a PSA (public service announcement), did a radio spot, attended the state legislature to promote the proclamation on the "Cocooning Project" and spoke a million times a million times to every day people. (Our recent interview was on the front page of the Sunday Albuquerque Journal just this year.) Each and every time I've had to share my son's story, our grief, and the importance of getting your TDaP. Its NEVER! easy! Its so emotional and hard but necessary. And yes...I have gotten many positive replies of how people we know and don't know have responded to this important need and gotten their TDaP. Sadly, not enough people do it. Just this season...already!....Pertussis is on the rise in New Mexico. I'm afraid to think it has only begun but my heart's hope is that it will stop rising. But each will make his/her own decision about this. I can only share my experience, in all its real, difficult and sad details, hoping to move another to go forward and get their booster. You and I must keep on fighting until this awful disease is eradicated. For our boys. October 31, 2011 12:01 pm
  • Naomi: By the way, talking on childhood immunizations is only the next step. I will share: you will come up against those who are opposed but you keep on trudging along. For us, we didn't ask God to be spokespeople on this BUT He called us to it and has been faithful. It is not my job to convince people .... just educate them .... this comes along with sharing our loss. We have witnessed changed hearts and we have seen people remain in their ways. But we were obedient to what God asked us to do. We strongly believe He provided a way for this disease along with other diseases to be eradicated. There are no cures for Pertussis, Polio or Diphtheria. ONLY vaccines to keep them away. Educate yourself and carry a sensitive heart towards others. Most of all, TRUST God and what He has called you to do. Blessings to you. October 31, 2011 12:16 pm
  • crystal winger: you speaking out about this, may save a little baby! And people may actually listen to you because of what you have been through in real life! November 1, 2011 2:04 pm
  • Rachel Boatright DeVault: The definition of integrity is doing/saying what you believe even when it's hard. You're the embodiment of that. All my love. November 1, 2011 4:10 pm
  • Caitlin Jarvis: You have no idea who I am, but I read your blog all the time. I have been really inspired by your story. Thank you for speaking out against this insanity!!! I cannot believe that people would choose to expose their children and children/adults around them to infections that we all thought ourselves to be rid of. To be totally frank, it really angers me. I hope more people will educate themselves about this and stop following this "trend" (so well put in that video). Thank you for your strength! You are an awesome person. November 1, 2011 9:27 pm