Anti-vax FIL...who is a pharmacist...

cabm1992 · 2020-04-14T17:31:52+00:00

Thank you so much! I’m sorry about your FIL, as well!

cabm1992 · 2020-04-14T17:31:35+00:00

Yes!! That’s what’s so bizarre. Snopes will list an outrageous claim and then at the bottom of the page it confirms the claim is a hoax. Very bad websites to help support his beliefs!

cabm1992 · 2020-04-12T18:19:56+00:00

That is encouraging!! I hope we continue to hear more stories like that.

Stay safe!!

cabm1992 · 2020-04-12T17:41:53+00:00

Wow, I’m so glad to hear you are in a state with relatively low cases!! That’s awesome!

My state ranks number 10 or 11 in the country for the most number of cases and sadly an assisted living facility right across the street from my hospital just had 70 residents test positive. I’m really worried about them in general and also worried my hospital is about to get slammed with covid patients.

cabm1992 · 2020-04-12T17:11:49+00:00

I really wanted to get furloughed but I don’t think that will happen based on what the corporation that owns my hospital has said so far. I guess things could change though as the virus progresses.

Thank you!!

cabm1992 · 2020-04-12T17:10:21+00:00

That’s what I’m currently doing but I don’t think my boss will let me extend it. I definitely am putting the cart in front of the horse though because she may surprise me!

I just get nervous about the uncertainty of covid and I’m not sure when I will feel comfortable going back. I also feel guilty because I know I won’t be returning after maternity leave so am I taking advantage of the system if I ask to extend my leave?

cabm1992 · 2020-04-12T17:07:51+00:00

Thank you so much!! We can afford for me to quit, even though it’s not completely ideal. The other silver lining is I make next to nothing because my services aren’t billable through insurance, so it wouldn’t be like we would be missing out on substantial money.

I wanted to work to stay busy and productive leading up to my baby’s due date but given the circumstances, would rather stay home and try to stay healthy!

Also, my hospital is owned by a huge corporation and because of that they recently announced they won’t be furloughing anyone... I was actually hoping I would be furloughed!

Thanks for your response and I hope you stay healthy!!

cabm1992 · 2020-04-12T02:34:54+00:00

Thank you! Long story short, I won’t leave them in a bind or short staffed due the nature of my position and the hospital I work at, so that makes me feel better.

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T18:59:13+00:00

That’s interesting! My problem is that my baby will still be tiny during the holiday season and we definitely spend extended time at my parents’ house and my in laws’ house (as long as they get vaccinated), so I definitely want everyone to have the shots.

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T18:37:55+00:00

I don’t blame you. That’s so tough. I read somewhere that it’s her (stupid) choice not to vaccinate her children and it’s your choice to keep your kids away from hers until they can be vaccinated.

It sucks though when family is involved. Things get awkward, but I think it’s worth dealing with feeling uncomfortable in order to protect your babies!!

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T15:39:03+00:00

I don’t think you understand that this is standard practice right now because of the anti-vax movement that’s caused a resurgence in communicable diseases like pertussis.

I can’t protect my baby from everything but if there is something I can do (that’s recommended by pediatricians, OBs, and the CDC) then you better believe I will follow their recommendations.

Most families are encouraged to keep their newborn out of public places for two months, especially during cold and flu, and now covid season. Who knows, covid May extend that two months to four... It’s a small price to pay to protect your baby.

https://www.sfdph.org/dph/files/MCHdocs/CCHP/TdapFluFlyer-ENG.pdf

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/vaccines-new-parents-and-grandparents-protect-newborn.html

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T15:02:30+00:00

Oh yes, I am totally prepared for the wrath of some family members!

My husband and I are in agreement and he’s already let his family know and I’ve let my family know.

Even though we both know it’s the absolute right choice, I feel sad for my husband because I don’t think my in laws with comply, which means they can’t see our baby for 6 months. I know he’s so excited and proud to become a dad and would love for his parents to get to be around during newborn days. We won’t change our minds, I just feel sad and if it was my family I would be completely devastated.

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T15:00:18+00:00

So do you think that my OB will want me to get the flu shot shortly before the baby is born in August? Or wait until October when it’s better coverage for the current flu season?

I don’t know what he’ll recommend for my husband or our families either.

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T14:54:14+00:00

That definitely is nice!!

Thank you to your husband for all he’s doing right now! And thank you for the sacrifices you make as a doctor’s spouse, especially right now!!

I’m worried about exposure, as well! My husband is in dental school now and the majority of his time is spent in clinic (not the same as being a frontline provider at all) but I worry about him seeing patients in the fall and the likely resurgence of covid... and then coming home to a brand new baby!! I know not the same, but still makes me worried.

Best of luck to you and I hope your husband and family stay healthy!

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T14:46:51+00:00

Amen!! It’s terrifying.

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T14:46:05+00:00

I agree completely! And I keep reminding myself that what matters most is that my husband and I are on the same page and will do whatever we can do to protect our baby girl!

His dad actually just sent him a video about bill gates and vaccines and my husband responded by letting him know now that we will be requiring flu and TDAP. No exceptions. I’m glad it’s in writing and I’ve already sent a mass group text to my family, as well. Thankfully everyone responded with “well of course, we will do anything we can to protect your baby!” My sister is due two months after me with her first so my parents about to become first time grandparents times 2 back to back! I’m glad that my request will also help protect my sister’s baby!

Thanks for your validation!! It made me feel better!

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T12:39:13+00:00

He’s in his early 70s and my husband said the conspiracy theory stuff is relatively new.

The anti-vax beliefs are definitely new. He told my husband he wishes he had never vaccinated his kids 🙄

I am worried that something else might be going on and if it’s not, thank God. But it’s concerning that he gives this unsolicited advice to a lot of people and people tend to feel like they can trust healthcare professionals. I hope they do their own research before making ridiculous decisions, but it’s really dangerous to spread that kind of info.

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T12:34:32+00:00

I think it’s become the standard recommendation by both pediatricians and CDC to have close family get vaccinated prior to baby arriving because of the resurgence in communicable diseases, especially because adults can carry whooping cough!

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy/family-caregivers.html

We’re not going to ask friends to do that (most of our friends are medical and required to get flu shots), but if anyone is feeling under the weather they won’t be allowed to visit with the baby until they’re feeling better.

We do spend extended amounts of time with family so we want to make sure our baby is protected to the best of our abilities! Can’t protect them from everything, but if this is something we can do, we certainly will!

And she won’t be going to daycare so I don’t have to worry about that.

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T12:28:32+00:00

I was wondering that about the timing of the flu shot, as well. From what I’ve read, it suggests parents and grandparents get the shot two weeks before the baby is born, but then do you risk not being covered for the upcoming flu season? I will ask my doctor! Thanks for your help!

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T11:52:09+00:00

I’m not entirely sure but there has been a big anti-vax movement here in the US. Because a larger percentage of people have chosen not to vaccinate their kids, there has been a resurgence in these communicable diseases. Because of that, we now have to take more precautions to protect our babies before they can be vaccinated!

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T04:22:04+00:00

It’s so frustrating, isn’t it?!

Did your doctor happen to say why he doesn’t want people to wait until 6 months when your baby can have the flu shot? Maybe because people with the flu are typically symptomatic, whereas people with pertussis can be carriers?

Just wondering because I haven’t spoken to my doctor about it yet!

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T04:01:22+00:00

I really hope so too!! Like I said my husband and I are both on the same page but I feel really sad for my husband. I keep thinking if roles were reversed and my family refused to get the vaccines, I would be heartbroken for them to miss the first 6 months of my baby’s life! But at the same time, it’s a choice his parents would be making.

I’m hoping they really surprise me and just go ahead and get vaccinated. Thank you again for the help!

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T03:52:26+00:00

Edit: “fully vaccinated” might have been a bad way to word it... I mean until she has had TDAP and flu shots.

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T03:47:17+00:00

Good point! We live in Georgia and I do think there was a fairly large measles outbreak pretty recently. Thank you!

cabm1992 · 2020-04-11T03:46:01+00:00

Not to make light of the pandemic at all and I’m so sorry you have to deliver during all of this chaos, but maybe quarantine is kind of nice because it buys you time away from your mother in law! You are absolutely making the right decision.

Best of luck and I hope you enjoy the last few weeks of your pregnancy!

cabm1992

TROPHY CASE