I would like to point out that all parents should realize (and
probably are
terrified at this realization) that their children are indeed mortal
beings.
They are ALL subject to all of the unthinkable horrors that happen
"only to
other people's children". Any child can get sick, any child can die.
My
unvaccinated children could surely die of polio next month. (and so
could a
vaccinated child).

When a parent chooses not to vaccinate their child, it would be
foolish for
them to pretend that their good intentions will protect their child
from
disease (keep in mind, vaccinations can not guarantee protection
against
disease. I no longer show a titer for rubella, and I was indeed
vaccinated
against it as a child). So what are we relying on? Well, we are not
pretending that our children are immune to death. We seek to help our
children to enjoy good health in their life. We choose to treat
illnesses
with natural remedies such as herbs, chiropractic, good nutrition,
etc.
Modern medicine is generally avoided but certainly has it's place. If
my
child were to develop epiglottitis, you can be damn sure she would be
rushed
to the emergency room immediately. She would also receive herbs and
chiropractic in conjunction with, or following, medical treatment.

Ignorance is bliss. That was the path I chose when my older daughter
was an
infant, and she is partially vaccinated. When you become informed
about
"childhood diseases and immunizations" the information is
overwhelming. It
is much easier to give your kids the shots, make the doctor happy, be
told
you are a good, responsible parent, and think that you have guaranteed
that
these diseases can not claim your child's life.

Making an *informed* choice *either way* about vaccinations demands
that you
reach deep within yourself, and face a lot of fears. Most of us are
not
willing to do that. This is your second lesson as a new parent: This
is NOT
going to be an easy job! (The first lesson being, Yes this is real.)

And the stats? Well they don't matter if you are the one whose child
has
developed autism/asperger's in correaltion with vax/diet/whatever.
They also
don't matter if your child dies of diptheria.

Blessings,
Stacie